Lucas Beraldo playing for Sao Paulo
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has seemingly ruled out a proposed Liverpool move for a highly-rated 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back in the new year.
On Sunday, we brought you reports that Reds officials had flown out to Brazil to solidify their interest in Sao Paulo star Lucas Beraldo, as Jurgen Klopp looks to the future.
Finding a new centre-back for the long term is known to have become an issue that the Liverpool boss feels is a priority need going forward, with current first-choice duo Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both over the age of 30.
And, while Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are well below that threshold, the duo have both had their fair share of injury and form issues during their time at Anfield.
That search for a young defender has led them to Beraldo, who Klopp is reportedly showing a concrete interest in. Liverpool are ready to make a £20m bid for the player during the January transfer window, according to a report in The Sun newspaper at the weekend. This is despite the teenager reportedly having a €60m (£52.6m) release clause in his contract with Sao Paulo.
Despite his young age, the player, who has already played 47 matches in São Paulo, currently has a valid contract until 2026.
And while Beraldo looks an impressive prospect, Romano insists he knows nothing about a potential move and doesn’t believe the youngster is quite ready for the challenges of the Premier League.
“Lucas Beraldo – Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Brazilian youngster Lucas Beraldo from Sao Paulo. But I’m not hearing anything — I’m not aware of that or any negotiations in him right now,” Romano said.
– Liverpool always contact many players, but so far nothing concrete. He is a very good player, a talented young central defender. I like him, but I think he needs one more step before he joins a great club like Liverpool.
Judging by Romano’s comments, it seems unlikely that the Reds will sign their central defender in the new year, although they could try to revive the deal next summer.
Klopp is counting on the emergence of Quansah
Klopp has already tested the central defensive position during the cup competitions this campaign and 20-year-old Jarell Quansah has already been given the chance to show his quality. The Warrington-born England Under-21 international, who spent last season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has already made nine appearances in all competitions this season.
However, his last outing was not particularly successful as he started the 3-2 Europa League defeat at Toulouse where Klopp attacked his side’s defence.
Indeed, speaking after the game, Klopp said: “We weren’t aggressive enough. We just gave the ball away. Real mistakes. “With all the ball in hand, you should obviously create more, but you can’t score three goals here, it doesn’t make sense.
They fought harder and it was deserved. Congratulations to Toulouse.
“You can play as well as you want, but if you don’t win the decisive battles, you have no chance in football.”
However, Quansah was unlucky to see a late equalizer in that game due to a controversial VAR handball by Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool return to action on November 25 when they face Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.
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