Liverpool leading transfer race for £48m teenage Brazilian sensation

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp arrives ahead of kick-off in the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool are leading a pair of Premier League rivals in the hunt for a Palmeiras wonderkid.

The Kop Times write that Liverpool face competition from Manchester United and Chelsea in their pursuit of a versatile 18-year-old forward from Brazil.

Luis Guilherme made his breakthrough proper into the Palmeiras’ first team last season, making 19 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A – mostly from the bench – as well as appearing in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil.

Liverpool leading the race for Luis Guilherme (again)

Luis Guilherme of Palmeiras controls the ball during the match between Gremio and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao 2023 at Arena do Gremio Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Luis Guilherme is wanted by Liverpool (Image credit: Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)

The Brazilian under-20s international is yet to find the net at senior level but has been extremely prolific in the youth ranks, with the Kop Times adding that Palmeiras youth director Joao Paulo Sampaio is tremendously excited about Guilherme’s potential.

He said: “We played in a tournament in Japan and Luis scored over 40 goals. The Japanese players were scared of him.

“But Luis doesn’t get carried away. He knows the potential he has. He’s a very special player.”

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Guilherme is reported to have a £48m release clause in his current contract, which he signed in November to extend his stay with the club until 2026. This is not the first time that any of the three clubs have been linked with Guilherme: all three were first connected with him towards the end of the Brazilian season last autumn.

Bayern Munich’s name was also put into the frame back then, while Manchester City were added to the mix in December. Liverpool were then also claimed to be leading the race back in February.

Almost like there’s an agent repeatedly trying to drum up interest or something.

More Liverpool stories

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Liverpool have made a clear choice for their next manager according to one report, while Roy Keane has expressed doubts over one candidate. Talks have reportedly begun over one Brazilian star joining, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up to FourFourTwo over receiving the vice-captaincy at Anfield. 

Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.