Liverpool are yet to make any concrete moves in the transfer market as they wait out the summer internationals.
The Reds could do with getting some business done as they prepare for a transitional season.
However, with both the Copa America and Euro 2024 underway, it hasn’t been easy for Liverpool to make any headway on new arrivals.
That has not been for a lack of transfer links, though. So far, most of the rumours have been surrounding European players who Arne Slot could add to the first-team squad.
But Liverpool also aren’t averse to having South Americans in the team; the Reds have four representatives currently out at the Copa America. And according to reports on Friday, they could soon make that five.
Liverpool still in race to sign Bento Krepski
Liverpool’s aims for this summer’s transfer window are relatively clear-cut. They need a new centre-back and they’d also reportedly like a new forward. Beyond that, any remaining business is likely to be dependent on outgoings from Slot’s squad.
There could seemingly be a few of those to contend with as well. Kostas Tsimikas is one who could be on the way out, with links to Rayan Ait Nouri perhaps no coincidence.
Beyond the likes of Tsimikas though, most of the change seems set to come in Liverpool’s goalkeeping department. Both Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher look likely to leave.
Both will need replacing, with Kelleher clearly the more urgent. The Irishman has been a wonderful No.2 to Alisson Becker and would leave some big gloves to fill.
With Kelleher’s future in the balance, Liverpool have been rumoured to be moving for all sorts of goalkeepers. One who has caught the eye as an attractive option has been Brazilian Bento Krepksi.
READ MORE: Adrian unsure whether he wants to stay at Liverpool this summer
Krepski looks set to leave Athletico Paranense this summer and according to Globo, Liverpool are one of three definite clubs in the race.
There had reportedly been four clubs vying for Bento up until recently, but after seeing a £13m bid rejected, Inter Milan have moved to sign Josep Martinez instead.
Inter were claimed to be Bento’s ‘boyhood dream’ and as a result had ‘priority’ with both the player and his club. However, after signing Martinez, Inter are said to be definitively out of the race.
According to Globo, that has left Liverpool, Sporting and Benfica to fight for Bento. Athletico are reportedly ready to listen to proposals, but will only sell if any of the interested sides meet their valuation.
Bento could be perfect for Liverpool
For some supporters, this may be their first time hearing of Bento. But the 25-year-old has been making waves back in Brazil for some time now.
Interestingly, he already has experience of playing back-up to Alisson, too. Bento is currently serving as the Liverpool goalie’s deputy at the Copa America.
With Reds coach Claudio Taffarel also out in the United States as part of Brazil’s backroom staff, Bento’s familiarity with Liverpool should be growing.
Obviously, if he moved to Anfield the ‘keeper would once again be No.2. But with Alisson being heavily linked with Saudi Arabia, perhaps it won’t be too long before the starting shirt has a vacancy.
Should that time come next summer and Liverpool already have Bento onboard, it could be the perfect succession plan. The fee is unlikely to be ridiculous and the Reds would potentially getting an instant upgrade on Kelleher.
Keep your eyes on this.