Fabinho headed to Liverpool

PARIS - Monaco midfielder Fabinho will join Liverpool following the World Cup finals in Russia, the French Ligue 1 club and the Premier League giant announced on Monday.

The 24-year-old Brazilian international agreed at the end of last year's title-winning campaign to remain one more season in the principality, but an agreement has been reached for him to join the Reds in July.

No financial details were given by either club, although some reports claim the deal is worth $58 million.

"AS Monaco has reached agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Fabinho to the English club on July 1," said a statement on Monaco's official website.

Usually deployed as a defensive midfielder, Fabinho has scored 31 goals in 233 appearances for Monaco since arriving at the club in 2013 from Real Madrid, winning the French league title in 2017.

Liverpool, looking to bolster its squad following a great season in which the Anfield giant reached the Champions League final, only to lose 3-1 to Real Madrid, confirmed the deal on its website.

"Liverpool Football Club can confirm a deal has been agreed for the transfer of Fabinho from AS Monaco," said a statement.

"The Brazil midfielder will formally seal a switch to the Reds on July 1 after successfully completing a medical and finalizing terms on a long-term contract at Melwood."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was quick to show his excitement at the signing.

"We have signed a fantastic player, but someone who is an equally fantastic person," the manager said.

"His reputation as a character in the dressing room and his attitude in training has come through from everyone we speak to.

"He has the ability and mentality to play at the highest level in a number of positions. He can play 6, 8 and 2. This is cool.

"He is tactically very strong and football smart. I think he improves our squad and there aren't many players you can say that about at this moment, because the quality we have already is so high.

"I like that he is young yet experienced also, with a high number of games at a club that compete to win. Also, international caps for Brazil tells you something about him."

Fabinho, who has four caps for Brazil, becomes Liverpool's first signing of the summer transfer window.

Agence France-Presse