Reports suggest that Liverpool are considering acquiring a fresh central defender in the next January transfer window.
There’s speculation that Liverpool might have to delay their pursuit of Lucas Beraldo, a target also linked with Newcastle, until the summer.
This delay is attributed to the Reds’ need to secure a new defender in light of Joel Matip’s potential departure from the squad, with the possibility that he has concluded his playing tenure under Jurgen Klopp due to a severe knee injury.
Matip faces the prospect of sitting out the remainder of the season due to his recent setback. Also, his contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer, pending a decision on a potential extension.
Given Matip’s injury, securing a new central defender is a top priority for Liverpool in January. Beraldo emerges as a viable option in this pursuit, with the 20-year-old from Sao Paulo carrying a valuation of £20 million.
Despite drawing interest from various English clubs, Beraldo might not be available for transfer until the summer, as reported by The Mirror. Notably, Sao Paulo have communicated to Newcastle that they are open to waiting for a suitable offer, especially if none materialises in the January transfer window.
While an undisclosed club has tabled a £16 million bid for the Brazilian talent, it appears that any potential move for Beraldo will be deferred until the conclusion of the ongoing campaign.
Liverpool and Newcastle are not alone in their pursuit of Beraldo, as other contenders for his signature include Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, and Brentford. The competition for this promising talent is fierce, indicating a heated race among several top English clubs to secure his services.
Sao Paulo concluded their season earlier this month with a match that solidified their mid-table position in Brazil’s top flight. Beraldo, after the final whistle, emphasized that he refrained from contemplating the prospect of a departure.
“I leave these things to my agents and the board,” Beraldo, who helped Sao Paulo to win the Copa do Brasil back in September, told Globo Esporte. “I have 30 days’ holiday and I’m going to forget about football to enjoy it with my fiancee and my family.
“We managed to win a title that Sao Paulo didn’t have, we’ve made history. I’m just grateful for everything I’m experiencing being a starter in my second year as a professional at Sao Paulo. I can only thank them for everything they have given me and will give me.”
Beraldo featured in 21 league matches for Sao Paulo throughout the season, solidifying his position as a consistent starter in the later part of the campaign.
Notably, he participated in every minute of the two-legged Copa do Brasil final against Flamengo, earning recognition as one of Brazil’s promising defensive talents.
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