Liverpool stole a march on their rivals by announcing the signing of Monaco midfielder Fabinho late on Monday night.

The player had been linked with moves to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, but the Reds made sure to get their man before it was too late.

It’s a signing that sends a message to the rest of the Premier League‘s top six. Liverpool, who narrowly missed out on a trophy this season after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid, and failed to mount a serious title challenge in the league, are strengthening their squad in an area of need.

Fabinho, a defensive midfielder who was the glue of Monaco’s wildly successful 2016-17 season when they won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-final, instantly strengthens Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, giving the German depth and solidity in the centre of the park along with the impending arrival of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig.

That Fabinho was wanted by several other European clubs is proof enough of his quality, if any were required. The Brazilian was a stabilising force for Monaco this season after the reigning champions saw a host of players leave last summer, with Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva, and Kylian Mbappe headlining the departures.

But although Fabinho looked at times as if he was disinterested, and affected by not getting a move of his own, his play rarely dipped. He combined for a total of 14 goals and assists across Ligue 1 and the Champions League in 2016-17, and got another 10 this season in a weaker team, creating a similar number of chances while remaining a reliable defensive presence.

Fabinho’s record at Monaco speaks for itself.

Fabinho should fit in easily at Liverpool, with Monaco’s thrilling, speedy attack similar to the one that has gripped audiences at Anfield. The thought of the Brazilian looking to pick out Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane should have fans salivating.

The 24-year-old, alongside a 23-year-old Keita and fellow 24-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain, will form a young core that more than makes up for the impending loss of Can – not to mention, a trio that has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s best midfields.

If the transfer pans out as the player’s record at Monaco suggests it will, Liverpool could soon have bigger reason to celebrate.