Fabio Carvalho is ready to leave Brentford in January after growing frustrated with his limited opportunities since joining from Liverpool in a £27.5 million deal last year. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled for minutes under Keith Andrews despite being one of the club’s most expensive signings in history.
Carvalho, who turned down a move to Lyon in the summer to fight for his place, has since started only four Premier League matches and played just 96 top-flight minutes this season. With competition fierce in Brentford’s midfield, the Portuguese talent is now pushing for a move — either on loan or permanently — when the transfer window opens.
Carvalho seeking regular football
Sources close to the player say Carvalho has already instructed his representatives to explore options abroad. Lyon, Stuttgart, and Strasbourg are among the clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the January window. Any potential loan move is expected to include an option to buy, with Carvalho determined to leave rather than wait until next summer.
Despite his strong working relationship with Andrews, Carvalho’s situation has not improved. He was left unused in Brentford’s recent wins over West Ham and Liverpool and has slipped further down the pecking order as others have seized their chances.
Efforts to regain fitness
In an attempt to build match sharpness, Carvalho asked to feature for Brentford’s B team last week — and responded in style.
He scored twice in a 6–1 victory over Luton Town, impressing coaches with his professionalism and effort levels. However, those goals have not yet translated into first-team opportunities, leaving the player increasingly convinced he must leave to reignite his career.
| Stat (2025/26) | Fabio Carvalho |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 |
| Minutes Played | 276 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 78% |
source: Sofascore & club data – 28 October 2025
Carvalho’s technical quality and vision have never been questioned, but injuries — including a dislocated shoulder that required surgery in March — have disrupted his rhythm. After recovering fully, he now believes consistent game time elsewhere is essential for his development.
Our View
In our view, Carvalho’s decision makes sense. For a player who thrived as a teenager at Fulham and showed flashes of brilliance at Liverpool, stagnation at Brentford risks halting his progress. At 23, he needs consistent minutes to rebuild momentum — and there’s no shortage of interest abroad willing to offer that.
Keith Andrews’ focus on tactical rigidity and physical intensity may not suit Carvalho’s creative instincts. A move to a possession-based side in France or Germany could give him the platform to rediscover his confidence and flair.
Key Insights
- Fabio Carvalho wants to leave Brentford in January due to lack of playing time.
- The £27.5m signing has started just four Premier League games since joining from Liverpool.
- Lyon, Stuttgart, and Strasbourg are monitoring his situation.
- Carvalho scored twice for Brentford’s B team last week to regain fitness.
- The 23-year-old has played 276 minutes this season, scoring two goals.
What’s Next
Carvalho’s representatives will hold talks with Brentford in November to discuss potential destinations before the January window opens. Clubs in France and Germany are expected to formalise their interest once terms become clear.
For Brentford, the decision may come down to structure — balancing squad depth with the need to allow a frustrated player to move on. One thing is certain: Carvalho doesn’t want to spend another half-season on the sidelines.
👉 Should Brentford let Fabio Carvalho leave in January or give him one last chance to prove himself?
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