Liverpool may need a replacement for Roberto Firmino before long, and a forward compared to Ronaldo just made his case. FSG should be paying attention.
There has never been a better time for Premier League clubs to shop in South America. Since the advent of the new point-based system to acquire work permits in English football following Brexit, more players than ever from the continent have become eligible to be signed by British teams.
And that has started a deluge of exciting investment. Many clubs have already tapped into the market: Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Manchester City have all notably led this trend, while Watford is another active participator.
But as the interest grows so does the presence of Premier League clubs on the continent. Undoubtedly, many are now keeping a close eye on the way events are unfolding in the U20 South American Championships currently taking place in Colombia.
Liverpool has a strong presence on the continent. It followed players like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez for years before eventually pulling the trigger to sign both South American attackers. But with Brexit now in effect, FSG no longer has to wait to make deals of a similar ilk. Instead, it can target the players first-hand and secure targets for far less money.
To begin with, there might not be a better candidate than Vitor Roque, who is absolutely thriving in the U20 South American Championships. He is currently the competition’s top scorer with five goals and has also registered an assist in what has been an extremely prolific tournament for the young Brazilian.
A robust forward, who has been likened by many to Brazil’s Ronaldo, Roque’s speed and directness as well as his ability to run behind the defensive line makes him a typical number nine. That, coupled with his work-rate and technical ability, should put him on Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool’s radar.
Liverpool may not necessarily be desperate for another forward, especially if Roberto Firmino extends his current contract, which expires at the end of the season. His agent has confirmed that FSG is in talks, with a conclusion expected this month.
But sooner or later Liverpool will need to find an heir to Firmino’s throne. The Brazilian ace will be 32 by the end of the year, and he is undoubtedly in his twilight years. Already, over the last year or so, he has started to pick up more and more injuries, and eventually he will not be able to carry on.
Roque is just 17 years old, he is still very raw and fresh, but clearly has exciting potential, and Liverpool should absolutely gamble on his services and convince FSG to tap into this new South American market. Considering the club’s stringent budget, South America may even be able to help Liverpool keep level footing with its competitors by finding value for money on the continent, rather than having to target European leagues with inflated transfer values. The ‘next Ronaldo’ could begin this win-win arrangement.
SOURCE: liverpool.com
