‘Following Him Closely’ – Report Claims Liverpool Are Now In The Race To Sign £17M Rated Goalkeeper

Liverpool are one of four clubs pursuing the signature of Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento, according to Sports Zone.

The French sports news outlet claims that the Reds are “following him closely” along with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Bento was originally linked with a €20m (£17m) move to Europe at the end of March, following his debut for Brazil against England in a friendly.

However, at the time, Inter, Benfica and Chelsea were the three teams mentioned as potential suitors. It seems that since then the Reds have entered the fray.

Why are Liverpool interested in the Brazilian international?

Number two keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has stated over the past couple of weeks that he is open to leaving Anfield this summer as he seeks regular first-team football.

It is believed that the Reds are prepared to let the Irishman go if their £20m asking price is met, and Bento could well be his replacement.

The 24-year-old could also compete with his fellow Brazilian Alisson Becker for the number one spot. Liverpool’s first-choice has had his fair share of injuries in recent seasons so a competent backup is essential.

Bento could have been recommended by Taffarel

Brazilian legend Claudio Taffarel has been one of Liverpool’s goalkeeping coaches since 2021, and he didn’t leave with John Achterberg and the majority of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching staff at the end of last season.

Earlier this year, Taffarel also took up a role with Brazil, so he would have seen Bento close up in training sessions. For that reason, it is not much of a stretch to say that he could have mentioned the 24-year-old’s name to sporting director Richard Hughes or another member of the Reds’ recruitment department. It’s definitely a transfer to keep an eye on.

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David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.