Liverpool sign Monaco's Fabinho on long-term contract

The Brazilian midfielder will formally seal a switch to Anfield on 1 July

Liverpool have signed Fabinho on a "long-term" contract, the Premier League club announced on Monday evening.

The Brazilian midfielder joins from AS Monaco for a reported £43.7m and will formally complete his move to Anfield on 1 July after completing his medical at Melwood.

The player told the club's official website: "I am really excited about this move.

"This is something that I always wanted - this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional.

"A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn't have to think that much about coming over.

"I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I'm able to win titles with this club.

"I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club's history."

Fabinho, who has four caps for his country, becomes the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old started his professional career at Paulinia FC in Sao Paulo before joining Fluminense. He went on to sign for Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2012 and was later loaned out to Real Madrid.

It was at AS Monaco, though, where the player rose to prominence. Fabinho made 225 appearances during five seasons at the club, scoring a total of 29 goals.

His arrival now casts further doubt on Emre Can's future at Anfield, with a move to Juventus increasingly likely for the German midfielder.