Offensive player Fábio Carvalho returns to Liverpool ahead of schedule from RB Leipzig

Offensive player Fábio Carvalho is returning early from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig to Liverpool FC and coach Jürgen Klopp. The clubs ended the 21-year-old's original one-year loan ahead of schedule, as both clubs announced on Sunday. Carvalho joined the Saxons in the summer and played 15 competitive games for Leipzig, only three of them in the starting line-up.

"Fábio has fitted in well with us, but ultimately both sides were hoping for much more - Fábio, of course, especially more playing time," said RB sporting director Rouven Schröder. "However, due to the high quality and performance density of our squad in his position, we cannot guarantee him this."

A little over two weeks ago, Schröder denied that the Portuguese player would be leaving the club prematurely. Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano had previously reported on the internet platform X, formerly Twitter, that Liverpool had contacted Leipzig because the English club were unhappy with the 21-year-old's playing time. Schröder had stated in mid-December that the attacking midfielder should be given more playing time.