Liverpool named as new frontrunners to sign Brazil international in Copa America squad
The first signing of the Arne Slot era may arrive soon.
Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign a top Brazilian talent currently playing in the Copa America.
The 2024 Copa America kicked off in the United States of America on June 20 as defending champions Argentina defeated Canada 2-0.
Despite drawing their opening game with Costa Rica, Brazil remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy as they boast one of the best squads in international football.
With talents such as Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Neymar Jr, beating Brazil will feel like an almost insurmountable task for rival teams in the tournament.
And it is not just the star players that are attracting interest from the top clubs in football, as Liverpool have emerged as frontrunners to sign the highly rated young goalkeeper Bento.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with AC Milan however, the deal appears to have fallen apart as the Italian giants refused to pay the €15 million asking price of current club Athletico Paranaense.
Instead, Milan will reportedly pursue Genoa’s Spanish keeper Josep Martinez, who they expect to contend for a spot in the starting lineup.
This leaves the door open for Liverpool to pursue Bento, who, according to Globo, has also drawn interest from Portuguese sides Sporting and Benfica.
Bento has two caps for his country and currently plays as the understudy to Liverpool’s star goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Speaking at a press conference, Alisson has said he welcomes the competition provided by Bento, declaring: “I am still one of the younger ones!
“I am at my peak. Brazil has many strong goalkeepers, both locally and internationally. It keeps us sharp and prevents complacency.”
Bento’s international debut came in a friendly against England at Wembley Stadium, where he helped his side maintain a 1-0 lead over the Euro 2024 hopefuls.
Bento started for Brazil in the 1-0 victory over England in March. (Image: Getty)
In 26 appearances for Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense in the 2023/24 season, Bento kept an impressive 13 clean sheets, conceding only 16 goals.
His potential arrival at Liverpool could come at the perfect time as long-term third goalkeeper Adrian is reportedly set to depart the Merseyside club as a free agent after declining a recent contract offer.
And with reports suggesting that Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher may be looking to move elsewhere and establish himself as a number one, Liverpool may be in desperate need of another backup goalkeeper.