After recent links to Gabriel Barbosa, Liverpool continue to be linked with yet another coveted Brazilian talent.
In December, ESPN claimed:
"Liverpool are interested in signing Santos midfielder Thiago Maia, sources have told ESPN Brasil. Zenit are the only club to have made an offer so far, but their €18 million bid was rejected".
According to The Mirror this week:
* Liverpool remain keen on signing Maia, but face stiff competition from Lille, Monaco, and PSG.
* Chelsea and Schalke has also joined the race to sign Maia.
Some info about Maia, recently described by Santos boss Dorival Junior as a 'fantastic' player:
* 20 year old defensive-midfielder. Contract expires: 2019
* Scouting Report (Strengths): "No-nonsense, tough tackling midfielder. Ability to open up play with great passing. Known for almost being carried off the pitch at the end of games...because he just can’t run anymore".
* Santos: 4 goals/assists in 104 apps. 12 apps for various Brazil youth teams.
* July 2016: Maia told Sambafoot: "I'm still kind of shy with Neymar and I shake when he comes to talk to me. Especially because he plays with Suárez, Messi, and with my idol Mascherano."
* Nov 2016: When asked about PSG transfer rumours, Maia mused: "I identify with PSG. Many players say they want to play for Real or Barcelona, but I identify with PSG. I have friends there".
Santos have reportedly set a €40m transfer fee for Maia, which is obviously inflated, but as history shows, there are clubs out there who'll pay that much for a teenager.
Another Mascherano-type defensive midfielder is (arguably) just what Liverpool need, but it's doubtful that Klopp will pay such an inflated fee for a player who - like Allan Rodriguez De Souza - may struggle to get a work permit.
In December, ESPN claimed:
"Liverpool are interested in signing Santos midfielder Thiago Maia, sources have told ESPN Brasil. Zenit are the only club to have made an offer so far, but their €18 million bid was rejected".
According to The Mirror this week:
* Liverpool remain keen on signing Maia, but face stiff competition from Lille, Monaco, and PSG.
* Chelsea and Schalke has also joined the race to sign Maia.
Some info about Maia, recently described by Santos boss Dorival Junior as a 'fantastic' player:
* 20 year old defensive-midfielder. Contract expires: 2019
* Scouting Report (Strengths): "No-nonsense, tough tackling midfielder. Ability to open up play with great passing. Known for almost being carried off the pitch at the end of games...because he just can’t run anymore".
* Santos: 4 goals/assists in 104 apps. 12 apps for various Brazil youth teams.
* July 2016: Maia told Sambafoot: "I'm still kind of shy with Neymar and I shake when he comes to talk to me. Especially because he plays with Suárez, Messi, and with my idol Mascherano."
* Nov 2016: When asked about PSG transfer rumours, Maia mused: "I identify with PSG. Many players say they want to play for Real or Barcelona, but I identify with PSG. I have friends there".
Santos have reportedly set a €40m transfer fee for Maia, which is obviously inflated, but as history shows, there are clubs out there who'll pay that much for a teenager.
Another Mascherano-type defensive midfielder is (arguably) just what Liverpool need, but it's doubtful that Klopp will pay such an inflated fee for a player who - like Allan Rodriguez De Souza - may struggle to get a work permit.
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