"You want to go somewhere where you’re wanted" - Ex-Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho details reason for Brentford switch

Former Liverpool player Fabio Carvalho has given his reasons for switching to Brentford this summer. He joined the Reds from Fulham in the summer of 2022 for a reported £7.7 million fee but never really got going at his new club.

Carvalho rarely found favor under Jurgen Klopp and was loaned out to RB Leipzig and Hull City in two separate six-month loan deals. He mustered just 640 minutes of senior football for Liverpool, scoring thrice in the process.

It seems that the Portuguese playmaker wasn't in Arne Slot's plans as well. Although the Reds reportedly rejected a £15 million offer from Southampton, they green-lit a move to Brentford for a £27.4 million fee (with add-ons).

Speaking after his switch to the London-based outfit, Carvalho admitted that he wanted to move to a club where he felt he was needed. He said (via Brentford's official website):

"I spoke to the manager [Thomas Frank] and, from the first conversation that we had, I just knew I was going to come in and be excited about playing for the club, coming in every day and working with him.

"I just want to play football now and to do that in the best league in the world. As a player, you want to go somewhere where you’re wanted and somewhere where you’re loved - that's why I'm here. You want to be part of a family, part of a structure, and that's what Brentford is about. I'm just so happy to be here."

Carvalho, 21, is Brentford's second high-profile addition to the squad this summer, after they signed Igor Thiago from Club Brugge for £32 million.

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Fabio Carvalho gives his verdict on his Liverpool pre-season under Arne Slot

Clubs may not have a lot at stake in pre-season matches but they still serve several important purposes. While it is a chance to give fringe players an opportunity to impress, it can also be used by exit-linked players to showcase their abilities to potential suitors.

Fabio Carvalho was a regular feature for Liverpool in their pre-season tour of the USA this summer, playing in their first three friendlies. He even scored a goal each in the 2-1 and 3-0 wins against Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.

Speaking about the summer under Arne Slot, Carvalho told the aforementioned source:

"I had a decent pre-season, played a few games, scored a few goals, which is what it's about. For me, I know myself and I play better when I'm playing consistently and that's what it's all about. As a footballer, you're going to be able to gain confidence from playing regularly - and I'm already looking to score on Sunday!"

Brentford open their Premier League campaign with a home game against Crystal Palace on August 18. A week later, they face Carvalho's former club, Liverpool, at Anfield.