49ers and Leeds United will fume at Sky Sports transfer update on Fabio Carvalho
Leeds United and 49ers Enterprises will be fuming after Championship rivals Hull City look to have moved ahead in the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho, according to Sky Sports.
The sports news outlet reported via their live transfer blog [8 January, 09:30] that the move could progress quickly this week with hopes of having him registered for their clash with Norwich on 12 January.
This has emerged after Fabrizio Romano [Daily Briefing, 7 January] reported that Carvalho would be consulted on interest from Leeds as well as Wolves, Southampton, and Hull.
After Romano’s update, it appears Hull has been listed as the chosen destination, which would see Leeds miss out on what would have been an inspiring January transfer move to boost their push for promotion from the Championship.
Not only have Leeds seemingly missed out, but one of their possible promotion rivals will be significantly strengthened by the deal, increasing the opportunity for Hull to mount a strong push for the playoffs where they could meet Daniel Farke’s team depending on their respective finishes.
The Sky Sports report shared that Hull made a strong move with the promise of guaranteed game time and the Portuguese midfielder is thought to be enthusiastic about helping the Tigers cement a playoff place.
That promise of game time is likely something Leeds would be unable to offer. While Carvalho would undoubtedly strengthen the options for Farke, and add some quality to the team, it is unclear where he would fit.
Joel Piroe is the preferred option in that number ten role, with his tendency to arrive late in the box and natural striking instincts giving him priority there. Out wide, Crysencio Summerville is undroppable, but the right-hand side could be the most likely role for Carvalho.
It will be frustrating for Leeds to see a key January target move to a direct playoff rival, but Hull are now the favourites in this window.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke has shared an exit update on Luke Ayling.