Carvalho’s Brentford Frustration Could Trigger Liverpool Windfall
Fabio Carvalho’s time at Brentford is turning sour, with the midfielder increasingly unsettled by his lack of game time. After arriving from Liverpool last summer in a deal worth £22.5 million plus £5 million in add-ons, the 22-year-old is finding life on the bench difficult to accept.
It’s understood Carvalho could explore an exit in the coming transfer windows if his situation at the Gtech Community Stadium does not improve — a development that could quietly benefit Liverpool due to a sell-on clause included in the deal.
Brentford Move Failing to Deliver
When Carvalho made the switch to Brentford in August 2024, it was seen as a chance to reignite his Premier League career. After a stuttering spell at Liverpool, the Portuguese playmaker was expected to thrive under Thomas Frank’s attacking system.
Yet, the early signs have been discouraging. Carvalho has managed just 100 minutes of league football so far this season, with his appearances limited to late cameos and cup rotations. His frustration has reportedly grown in recent weeks, and sources close to the player suggest he is open to reassessing his future should his role remain restricted.
Given Brentford’s strong start to the 2025–26 campaign under new manager Keith Andrews, opportunities in the first team have been hard to come by. Carvalho’s technical flair and vision are undoubted, but fitting into a well-drilled system has proven more challenging than anticipated.
Liverpool’s Sell-on Clause Could Pay Off
While Carvalho’s frustration may spell uncertainty for Brentford, Liverpool stand to gain financially from any potential transfer. The Reds negotiated a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause as part of his permanent move last year — a clause that could now come into play if the Bees decide to cash in.
Although the potential payout is not expected to be substantial, it would represent a modest bonus for Liverpool’s recruitment department, who have often structured deals to secure long-term value from outgoing players. With Brentford likely to recoup a reasonable portion of their initial outlay if Carvalho moves on, the Merseyside club could pocket a small but welcome sum.
This kind of strategic foresight has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s transfer policy in recent years, ensuring even marginal players contribute to the club’s financial sustainability.
Career Decisions Looming for Carvalho
For Carvalho, the next few months may prove decisive. Despite his clear talent, his career trajectory has plateaued since his breakthrough at Fulham. A fresh start — whether abroad or elsewhere in the Premier League — could help him rediscover the confidence that made him one of English football’s most exciting prospects in 2022.
Brentford, meanwhile, will be reluctant to let go of a player they invested heavily in just over a year ago, but if his situation remains unchanged, a parting of ways may suit all parties. For Liverpool, watching developments from afar, there will be quiet interest in how Carvalho’s story unfolds — and in the potential financial afterglow of any future move.
