Report: Liverpool want to sign £83m Brazilian youngster named one of the best talents on the planet in 2023

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Liverpool have been making tentative steps towards dipping into the South American market in recent times.

The Reds have never really cracked the art of bringing young players directly from the continent’s big clubs and nurturing them into first-team talents.

Perhaps Liverpool were stung by negative experiences with the likes of Gabriel Paletta, Sebastian Leto and – more recently – Allan.

But, whatever the reason, the Reds have been left behind when it comes to picking up the biggest talents of Brazil, Argentina and the rest.

Thankfully, there have been signs that they are looking to rectify this. Reports ahead of the summer claimed that Liverpool head scout Barry Hunter was actively watching players in Brazil for future moves.

And it seems that during Hunter’s stint out across the Atlantic ocean he has taken a liking to an exciting young centre-back.

Liverpool interested in Vitor Reis

Liverpool have been linked with loads of top talents from Brazil over the past 18 months or so.

Fluminense’s Andre Trindade looked poised to join the Reds in summer of 2023, for example, but ultimately opted to stay in Rio de Janeiro.

Things came full circle for Andre on Saturday, as he played for Wolves against the team he so nearly joined.

But while most of those seemingly on Liverpool’s radar have been midfielders and attackers, The Athletic now claim that the Reds are one of the sides tailing centre-back Vitor Reis.

READ MORE: What’s really going on with Liverpool’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite

Reis has burst onto the scene at Palmeiras this season, breaking into the first-team and playing 14 times for the Brazilian champions so far. This has reportedly led to strong interest from a host of top European sides.

Real Madrid and Arsenal appear to be pushing hardest so far, with both said to have ‘made initial enquiries’ with Palmeiras over his sale.

But Liverpool are said to be in there as well. The Reds, Chelsea and Barcelona are said to have ‘expressed interest’ in signing the 18-year-old.

Palmeiras are claimed to want to keep Reis until after the 2025 Club World Cup, though, and have not initially put a price-tag on his potential transfer. However, the defender does reportedly have a release clause of around £83m.

Vitor Reis could be Virgil van Dijk’s long-term heir

It is encouraging to see Liverpool targeting young centre-backs right now. The Reds are in serious need of addressing the future of their back line.

Should Virgil van Dijk leave next summer – as looks quite likely – they will need a long-term plan to replace him.

While Reis is incredibly young, especially for a centre-back, the teenager has the potential to be special.

In October 2023, The Guardian named Reis as one of the best 60 young players in the world. The Palmeiras youngster featured on a list containing the likes of then teammates Endrick and Luis Guilherme, as well as Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall.

There is obvious competition for Reis, but if he’s as good as seems to be suggested, then Liverpool’s could be looking at their long-term Van Dijk successor. One to keep an eye on.