From Brazil: Liverpool to miss out on Fluminense wonderkid
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool are set to miss out on the signing of a highly-rated Fluminense midfielder according to reports from Brazil.
European giants are increasingly targeting South American talent before their valuations skyrocket upon moving to major leagues.
Real Madrid exemplifies this strategy perfectly, securing Vinicius Junior from Flamengo for £38 million in 2017, Federico Valverde from Penarol for €5 million in 2015, and Rodrygo from Santos for €45 million in 2019.
These investments have paid dividends, with all three becoming integral first-team players worth considerably more today.
Liverpool also recognized this approach, having pursued Rodrygo before his Real Madrid move.
The Brazilian revealed in 2024 that he rejected a €3 million offer from Liverpool back in 2017, choosing to remain at Santos instead.
Liverpool was also keen on Andre, who is now at Wolves, from Fluminense in the summer of 2023 but that deal did not materialize.
And it looks like another Fluminense player who the Reds were keen on won’t be coming to Anfield any time soon.
Last week, we brought you reports from Brazil that Liverpool have made an enquiry for 18-year-old midfielder Isaque.
His full name is Isaque Severino Silva is regarded as one of the brightest talents to come out of Fluminense’s renowned Xerém academy.
Although he made his professional debut only in December 2024, the teenager has quickly established himself as a key player in Brazil’s youth teams.
During the U-17 Copa do Brasil, Isaque scored six goals and provided four assists, playing a crucial role in securing the title for his team.
Despite limited first-team experience, both Liverpool and Manchester City were believed to have contacted Fluminense over the potential signing.
However, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte are reporting that the teenager is instead set to join Shakhtar Donetsk in a €12 million (£10.1 million) transfer deal.
They assert that the Brazilian starlet’s move to Ukraine has been finalized following Fluminense’s acceptance of Shakhtar’s third bid
The deal includes a €10 million fixed fee, with Fluminense retaining 10% of any future sale and a preference clause should Isaque want to return to Brazil.
Isaque has previously expressed his dream of playing in the Premier League, but for now, his next step lies with Shakhtar, a club known for developing Brazilian talent in Europe
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