Liverpool Set To Move For Brazilian Teenage Sensation Thiago Maia

Liverpool are reportedly showing interest in Thiago Maia, and have already registered a proposal with Santos.

The defensive midfielder has grown into one of the brightest young prospects in Brazil following consistent performance at Santos.

Maia also played a significant part at the 2016 Rio Olympics, as hosts Brazil managed to win gold by defeating Germany on penalties in the final.

And his performances for both club and country have attracted interests from several teams who are keen to tempt him away from Santos.

According to ESPN Brazil, the likes of Liverpool, Monaco, Schalke, Napoli and Zenit St Petersburg all are keeping tabs on his progress.

Maia, being a holding midfielder, grabbed the interest of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, as the German tactician is trying to provide quality cover for club captain Jordan Henderson and Emre Can while having an eye on the future.

A £15m offer from Russian champions Zenit has already been straight away rejected.

All of the above-mentioned clubs are looking to sign the midfielder in January, and Santos haven’t ruled out the possibility of letting go of the 19-year-old if a respectable offer comes by.

Maia, however, has made it clear that it is down to the club and his representatives to decide if he will leave his homeland.

He said: “I’m on vacation, it’s been a lot of work, but a very important year in my career, I was an Olympic champion and, in Santos, we had a regular season, the Sao Paulo title and the Brazilian runner-up. The Saints and my representatives decide if it’s time for a transfer.

“If it’s to stay, the supporters can rest easy, I want to repeat the good season, play Libertadores and be a champion.”

A move to Anfield would give him the opportunity to link up with fellow Brazilian compatriots Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva.

 

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