'New bid': Brighton make concrete move to sign £23.5m defender as Liverpool run risk of missing out - journalist

01/03/2025 02:00 PM

Liverpool have the chance to bolster their Premier League title bid by adding some quality to their squad in January.

The Reds are currently in an excellent position and sit six points clear at the top of the table.

Nevertheless, the winter window represents a chance for Arne Slot to further boost his Liverpool squad and cement their chances of a 20th league title.

However, in the early days of the month, much of Liverpool’s focus has been on preventing outgoings, rather than bringing players in.

Real Madrid look poised to bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold and for now the Reds’ attention is on keeping him at Anfield.

As they do what they can to persuade Alexander-Arnold to stay, though, it looks like Liverpool could be about to let a transfer target slip through their fingers.

Brighton pushing to sign Vitor Reis

Although fans would love to see a new midfielder brought in, a lot of the attention for Liverpool’s recruitment team in 2025 will be on the defence.

Left-back is an area of huge concern and one which must be addressed over the next seven or eight months.

But as a well as bringing fresh blood into the left of the defence, the centre could do with something different as well.

With that in mind, Liverpool have been linked with Vitor Reis of Palmeiras. Reis had a breakout year in Brazil leading to the likes of the Reds and Real Madrid taking a look at him.

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But according to journalist Charlie Parker-Turner, it is Brighton who are now looking to tie up a £23.5m deal with Palmeiras.

“Understand Brighton have submitted a fresh bid for Palmeiras' Vitor Reis after seeing two previous offers rejected,” Parker-Turner writes on X. “New bid worth £23.5m, negotiations ongoing as Seagulls look to bolster their defensive options.”

Liverpool will track Vitor Reis regardless

While it feels like Liverpool should be involved in the race for Reis at this kind of price, a move to Brighton would not be the worst thing either.

The Reds seemingly have a good relationship with the Seagulls and would likely see it as a great ‘proving ground’ for Reis.

If the 18-year-old was a success on the South Coast, that’s when Liverpool would look to swoop in.

Having said that, the fee is not an insignificant one to pay for a teenaged centre-back, if Brighton were to sell him on in the future, Liverpool would surely have to pay three or four times that amount.

Nothing done of course, and still time for Liverpool to get themselves in the race now. But they may have to be quick.