Liverpool are expected to re-enter the January transfer window as they look to fix the defensive issues that have plagued their Premier League season.
Liverpool have sent club officials to Brazil to complete the transfer of Sao Paulo star Lucas Beraldo.Amid the tensions, United are negotiating a £20m deal for the 19-year-old, who is yet to receive a top-flight cap in his country. However, he received plaudits after helping the club to success in this year’s Brazilian Cup.United have struggled defensively this season, with captain Virgil van Dijk believed to be struggling for top form.
Andy Robertson’s long-term injury has further complicated matters and Jurgen Klopp will now use the January transfer window to address his background. According to The Sun, Liverpool representatives met Beraldo in person after last week’s 1-0 win over Cruzeiro. Sao Paulo then beat Bargantino by the same scoreline, with the centre-back playing 90 minutes in both matches. Klopp wants to complete the deal before the summer to prevent other clubs from leaving him.
Crucially, Beraldo will now be eligible to play for the remainder of Liverpool’s Europa League season. He joined the Sao Paulo Youth Academy in 2020 and made his first-team debut two years later. He played twice for Brazil’s under-20 side, which made the Merseyside club aware of his talent. In addition to Van Dijk, Klopp has defensive options in midfield with Joe Gomez, Ibrahim Konate and Joel Matip. But none of the three have had a chance this season.
Notably, Matip is expected to leave the club when his contract expires in 2024. But Jarell Quansa is also shaping up to be a player with real potential. The 19-year-old impressed in difficult conditions in the recent Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth.
