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LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool has reached a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from Monaco in a transfer reportedly worth 50 million euros ($58 million).
Liverpool announced the signing on its website on Monday, saying Fabinho will officially join the club on July 1.
Fabinho is seen as a replacement for Emre Can, who is out of contract at Anfield and has been linked with a move to Juventus.
Fabinho has made more than 200 appearances for Monaco and played a key role in helping the team win the French league and reach the Champions League semifinals in 2016-17.
Fabinho 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. ... 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."
Liverpool lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid on Saturday and is looking to improve on a fourth-place finish in the Premier League next season.
The 24-year-old Fabinho, who has made four international appearances for Brazil, scored 31 goals for Monaco.
After starting out as an attack-minded right back, he developed into a holding midfielder. He is also an expert penalty taker.
"He is leaving for one of the biggest clubs of the moment, five years after arriving here on tip-toes," Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said on the club's official Twitter feed. "First of all I would like to acknowledge a player who, despite his young age, established himself as an example on and off the pitch."
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