Liverpool are reportedly firmly in the race for Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis, with the Reds ready to battle the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal for his signature.
Reis, 18, is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazilian football, making 15 appearances for Palmeiras, while he has been capped at Under-16s and Under-17s level by Brazil.
Real Madrid are thought to be the favourites for the defender, but a recent report claimed that Arsenal were also in the picture for Reis, who has a contract with his current side until December 2028.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are also doing their ‘due diligence’ on a possible deal, with the highly-rated centre-back firmly on the Merseyside outfit’s radar.
The report claims that there is a release clause of around £84m in Reis’ current deal, placing Palmeiras in a strong position due to the length of time left on his contract.
Liverpool ‘in the race’ for Brazilian teenager Reis
Reis recently addressed the speculation surrounding his future, claiming that he us “completely” focused on his current side.
“Today my thoughts are completely on Palmeiras, on making my mark at the club. I try to think day by day, I am still very young and have only just begun my professional career. I want to win titles with Palmeiras and establish myself,” he told AS.
“I think every player dreams of playing for the Brazilian national team and it’s no different for me. I know I’m still young, but I’ve already had several opportunities in the youth categories and naturally I hope to have them in the first team,” he said.
“But I know that will depend on what I do at Palmeiras today, so I need to give my all here, win titles and then move on to other personal goals.”
Could Reis be a long-term replacement for Van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk only has a contract with Liverpool until next summer, and it remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old pens a new contract with the Merseyside giants.
The centre-back has again been a towering figure for Liverpool this term, but there are no guarantees when it comes to his future, so Arne Slot‘s side could be in the market for a replacement next summer.
Replacing Van Dijk will be an incredibly difficult task, but Reis has shown his immense potential in the early stages of his career, and he looks to have the capabilities to become one of the top centre-backs in world football in the coming years.
