"Always a worry when Barcelona and Real Madrid are involved" - Paul Robinson fires transfer warning to Liverpool as European giants circle exciting 19-year-old

Liverpool are heavily linked with a swoop for Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho, who is also being monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has warned that the 19-year-old could be tempted into joining either of the Spanish heavyweights.

Carvalho progressed through the youth ranks at Fulham and made it into the senior team in the summer of 2021. During his time in the youth setup, the attacker played a combined 82 games for the U-18 and U-23 sides, recording 33 goals and 19 assists to his name.

He has also represented England at the junior level, playing a combined 29 games for the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 teams and scoring two goals.

It is true that Barcelona and Real Madrid are not as powerful as they were a couple of years ago. Regardless, Robinson believes the interest of the two Liga giants remains a worry for the Reds in the race for the teenager's signature.

The Englishman told Football Insider:

"It is always a worry when Barcelona and Real Madrid are involved. Yes, they are not the two superpowers they used to be but the history and the weight of the clubs remain. Players want to play for them."

Meanwhile, COVID-19 has caused a serious decline in the finances of many clubs in Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Catalans being the most hit.

Paul Robinson feels this situation presents the Reds with an advantage in their quest to sign Carvalho. He said:

“Financially, there is a lot more parity between them and teams in the Premier League. That stands Liverpool in good stead."

It goes without saying that most young players nurture the dream of playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid at certain points in their careers. Robinson fears that could be the case with Carvalho, casting doubts over Liverpool's chances of signing him. The 42-year-old said:

"But there will always be that worry that a player will favour a move to one of the big Spanish clubs."

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Liverpool re-enter negotiations with Fulham over Fabio Carvalho's transfer

Fabio Carvalho has bagged eight goals and five assists for Fulham in 21 games across all competitions so far this season

Liverpool failed to secure an £8 million transfer for Fabio Carvalho on deadline day of the winter transfer window. However, according to Football Insider, the Reds have re-entered negotiations with Fulham as they try to reach a breakthrough with the Championship side.

Carvalho's current contract expires at the end of the season. This means he could be signed on a free transfer, although a compensation fee would be paid for development costs.

With Liverpool currently spoiled with options in the offensive half of the pitch, it is highly unlikely that Carvalho will get thrust into the team immediately. Jurgen Klopp would probably introduce the player into the team gradually and allow him to develop and earn the chance to feature more regularly.

It remains to be seen what the future has in store for the fast-rising youngster.