Fee agreed as Liverpool target ‘says goodbyes’ ahead of impending move

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool TEAMtalk

The finishing touches are all that remain after Liverpool reached an agreement to bring a goalkeeping starlet to Anfield.

The Reds kicked off their Premier League title defence with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Leeds on Saturday.

But while their title rivals have been busy strengthening in the market, Liverpool have remained relatively quiet thus far.

Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas was brought in to bolster their left-back depth. But the club are expected to turn to promising youngsters like Curtis Jones and Neco Williams to provide further competition for places.

Now, another starlet appears set to be brought into the Liverpool mix, after The Echo reported the club have agreed an initial £1m fee for Marcelo Pitaluga.

The 17-year-old goalkeeper plies his trade for Brazilian side Fluminense, with details emerging of Liverpool’s approach earlier this week.

That approach has now been accepted, with the outlet noting the teenager has ‘said his goodbyes’ to teammates.

Fluminense are expected to insist on a 25 percent sell-on clause within the contract, while an extra £800,000 could be paid in future add-ons.

 

Pitaluga holds German citizenship, with this factor stated as one reason why the deal was able to progress so smoothly.

The player is said to be Merseyside-bound to undertake a medical ahead of the deal being completed early next week.

“I am very grateful to Fluminense,” said Pitaluga (via the Liverpool Echo). “I was 10 years at this club, from futsal, passing through [the youth ranks], until I reached the professional ranks.

“I have always been treated very well and had all the assistance necessary for my development, both personally and as an athlete.

“This opportunity that came up will be very important to me. It was a unique opportunity, mainly for having a European passport.”

 

Liverpool accused of ‘blackmail’ in Thiago dealings

Thiago Bayern TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says Liverpool and Manchester United are trying to “blackmail” the German champions into selling Thiago Alcantara.

Several reports in recent months have claimed Jurgen Klopp‘s side are keen on the Spanish midfielder.

After speculation over a first bid from the Reds emerged, Klopp admitted that he could not end such talk. And while expressing his admiration for the player, he insisted nothing had emerged on the transfer front.

The uncertainty over Thiago’s future comes after he performed a drastic U-turn on a new Bayern deal. Now, he reportedly has an initial agreement in place on a move to Anfield.

Speaking to Sport1, Hoeness reiterated that Bayern have received no official contact from any club about Thiago. However, he tipped Liverpool to make an underhand offer towards the end of the transfer window.

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