Liverpool spent heftily last year to acquire renowned names from Europe’s top leagues. They have been ambitious in the transfer market and successfully built a squad capable of chasing Premier League glory. Yet the Reds are still keen on promoting youth and rope in prospects who are hailed across the globe for their on-field excellence. Reinier Jesus is one such name currently being scouted by a host of European heavyweights including Liverpool, as claimed by French outlet Le10 Sport.
The 17-year-old Brazilian has earned attention while featuring for Flamengo U20s and is soon to be promoted to their senior side after showing such composure at the youth level. PSG have already approached for his signing whereas Real Madrid also weigh up a move after successfully tying down his former teammate Vinicius Junior a couple of years back.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been monitoring his progress minutely and also registered an interest by negotiating terms with the player’s entourage last April as claimed by Kleber Leite, the former Flamengo president via his official website.
However, the Reds would have to break the bank if they are plotting a swoop for Reinier and trigger the £63m buyout clause (as claimed by AS) in his contract that runs until 2021.
Strength
The teenager is currently featuring for the Selecao U17s and dictating the game from a ‘number 10’ role with complete command. He loves to dribble past his opponents, orchestrates as a playmaker and offers great work rate to win the ball back before making an attacking transition. His vision, footwork, link up play and majestic skills define why he is lauded as one of the finest among Brazil’s future generation stars. However, he must retain his astounding qualities to justify the hype in the upcoming years.
Complications
Reinier is way ahead of his age group in terms of maturity and presence of mind, therefore, should fit in at a senior level for the Rubro-Negro. The asking fee, meanwhile, must be an obstacle for Liverpool as they need to analyse things rationally before gambling on a prospect yet to prove his worth at the highest level of European football. He won’t be handed a senior role immediately as the Reds require a prolific and experienced ‘number 10’ in the summer to add more creativity in the centre of the pitch.
Verdict
They should rather work on reducing the figure over giving up the chase and making it easy for the Blancos and PSG to snap up one of football’s NxGn superstars.
