Liverpool’s decision to sign Fábio Carvalho from Fulham received backing from someone who knows both the player and the Reds transfer well.
The 23-year-old’s move to Anfield in the summer of 2022 ultimately didn’t work out as hoped. Carvalho made just 21 appearances for Liverpool before loan spells at RB Leipzig and Hull City. This was then followed by a permanent switch to Brentford.
Even so, the Portuguese youngster has revealed that Marco Silva strongly supported the transfer when the opportunity first arose. At the same time, Silva also offered a warning he has never forgotten.
Speaking to A Bola as part of a wider interview about Silva’s appointment as Benfica manager, Carvalho reflected on the Fulham boss’ influence during his breakthrough. He also recalled the conversation they had before he left Craven Cottage for Liverpool.
Carvalho made his senior debut under Scott Parker. However, it was Silva who transformed him into one of Fulham’s key players.
The manager had no hesitation in trusting a 19-year-old who had made only six first-team appearances. And that faith was rewarded as Carvalho helped the Whites win promotion to the Premier League.
Silva backed Liverpool move – but with a warning
Carvalho finished the 2021/22 Championship campaign with 11 goals and eight assists in 38 league appearances, convincing Liverpool to complete a deal worth around €9m (£7.7m), with further performance-related bonuses.
Before the move was finalised, Silva made a point of speaking to the youngster. Rather than trying to persuade him to stay at Fulham, the Portuguese coach encouraged him to seize the opportunity. Importantly, he made sure Carvalho understood the challenge ahead.
“When I was about to leave for Liverpool, he came to speak to me and I’ve never forgotten his words,” Carvalho said.
“He told me Liverpool was a great opportunity, but warned me that sometimes the grass isn’t as green as it seems.
“That really stayed with me. His honesty and the fact he continued to care about me, showing it wasn’t only about what happened on the pitch. That’s something I value a lot.”
Looking back now, Silva’s words appear particularly fitting. Carvalho struggled to establish himself at Anfield despite showing flashes of quality under Jürgen Klopp. Eventually, loan spells at RB Leipzig and Hull City led to his permanent move to Brentford.
More than just a coach
Fábio Carvalho used the interview to explain why Silva’s advice carried so much weight. He described the Benfica manager as someone who consistently looks beyond the senior squad. For example, Silva keeps a close eye on academy players and regularly invites them to train with the first team. He also gives them opportunities in competitive matches.
According to Carvalho, that willingness to trust young talent has remained a hallmark of Silva’s management. He pointed to Fulham midfielder Joshua King as another example of a youngster who has been given genuine opportunities and continuity in the first team.
The former Liverpool player also described Silva as a father figure for younger footballers, saying he knows when to be demanding on the training pitch while creating a family atmosphere around the squad. That, Carvalho believes, explains why the manager’s concern extended far beyond football.
Rather than focusing only on Liverpool’s transfer fee or the footballing opportunity, Silva wanted to ensure Carvalho understood every aspect of such a significant career move.
The conversation has stayed with the winger ever since, offering fresh insight into the personal guidance he received before swapping Craven Cottage for Anfield.