Fulham boss Marco Silva feels speculation linking Fabio Carvalho with transfers to Liverpool and West Ham United has hurt the midfielder’s form, via quotes by the Evening Standard.
Carvalho has been one of the Cottagers’ stars of the season as they look to seal promotion from the Championship. The 19-year-old has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 16 appearances, either side of a toe injury.
He made his latest outing with a decisive showing as the Craven Cottage natives thrashed Birmingham 6-2 on Tuesday. Carvalho scored twice and provided an assist to stretch Silva’s side’s advantage in the west London clash.
No teenager has scored more often in the second-tier so far this season than Carvalho. But Fulham risk losing their academy product for free this summer as his contract ends in June.
West Ham and Liverpool want Fulham gem Carvalho
So, according to TEAMtalk, West Ham and Liverpool are among a clutch of Premier League sides keen to sign Carvalho in a free transfer once his Fulham contract expires this summer.
The Cottagers also fear the England U18 international has already agreed a deal to leave in June. While Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on his situation.
But Silva is adamant Liverpool and West Ham transfer target Carvalho is still a key player at Fulham. The Portuguese coach also feels the speculation has hindered his form this season.
“Carvalho is a key player for us,” the Cottagers boss said. “He gave us very good things. It has been a season of ups and downs for him and rumours around him, that didn’t help. But always, I see the same commitment. It was a very good result for us, a fantastic score.”
Liverpool, West Ham or a rival side could sign a terrific talent with a transfer for Fulham’s Carvalho, then, if – as Silva suggests – speculation has held the teenager back this season.
He has produced a remarkable return so far this term, having only started 13 of his outings to date. The youngster’s decline in output also coincided with his return from two-months out injured. He scored just once in nine games, having scored three in five before the blow.
But his brace against Birmingham followed scoring against Bristol City, suggesting Carvalho is rediscovering his form. So, if he remains available for compensation, clubs will be keen.
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