'Keeping close tabs': Liverpool now seriously interested in 'standout' youngster from U20 World Cup - journalist
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Liverpool scouts have been reporting back to the club on their findings at the U20 World Cup this month.Some of the best talents in world football have gathered in Chile to fight it out to become world youth champions.For talent-spotters, it is like Christmas has come early, and representatives from Liverpool‘s recruitment team have been keeping abreast of all the action.As Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed earlier this week, Japan captain Rion Ichihara has impressed Liverpool with his performances at centre-back.Unfortunately, Ichihara and Japan were eliminated at the round of 16 stage on Thursday, a 120th-minute penalty sending France through instead.Nevertheless, journalist Graeme Bailey has exclusively told RTK that Liverpool now have Ichihara firmly on their transfer radar regardless.Photo by RAUL BRAVO/AFP via Getty ImagesLiverpool continuing to track Rion IchiharaIt is no secret that Liverpool are looking into future-proofing their centre-back options over the coming transfer windows.Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez could leave, while Virgil van Dijk may also depart once his contract expires in 2027. Liverpool need to be ready.READ MORE: Who is Rion Ichihara… The penalty-taking centre-back wowing Liverpool scouts at the U20 World CupAs a result, they are paying special attention to any promising defenders across world football, with Ichihara now cementing himself within that framework.According to Bailey, Liverpool were not necessarily keeping tabs on the 20-year-old prior to the tournament in Chile, but they will continue to check on his progress in the months ahead.“Liverpool will keep tracking him,” says the transfer expert.
Perhaps not too much, but he’s in the Red Bull system.“Some people can be sniffy about it, but he’s turned in two or three man of the match performances at the U20 World Cup. He’s been a standout player.
He was one who they possibly weren’t too aware of before going, but they’ll now be keeping close tabs on him now.”Who else is catching Liverpool’s eye? Like many top clubs, Liverpool will be compiling a great many reports after travelling down to South America to watch this autumn’s youth tournament.There are several players who are expected to go to the top of the game turning out, including Mexico starlet Gilberto Mora.Mora is on Liverpool’s radar, and has justified his reputation with a sparkling tournament so far.The 16-year-old and his team will meet Argentina in the quarter-final, with the Albiceleste also boasting several players in Liverpool’s sights.As RTK have previously reported, forward Ian Subiabre has been watched by the Reds, and he will be one focus of their attention as the competition continues to progress.