Liverpool appear to be moving closer to securing one of Brazil’s most exciting young prospects, raising the question of whether this could finally be the breakthrough signing they have long been chasing in the South American market.
For years, the club has closely monitored top Brazilian talents, but many of those players ultimately ended up elsewhere—most commonly at Real Madrid. Rodrygo Goes came close to joining Liverpool before Santos opted to keep him for another season, increasing both his value and the competition for his signature. Endrick was another player Liverpool tracked early, only for him to continue rising rapidly before sealing a historic move to Madrid.
Liverpool’s scouting history is full of similar stories: immense talent identified early, but deals that slipped away. The club is well aware of the extraordinary quality emerging from Brazil, even if they are less inclined than some rivals to take expensive early risks.
This time, however, Liverpool may be better positioned. The club is reportedly progressing in its interest in Gabriel Mec, a 17-year-old midfielder from Grêmio who has become one of the standout young players in the country.
According to Globo, Chelsea previously proposed a deal worth up to €24m for the teenager, but negotiations stalled and their pursuit has cooled. Journalist Kaliel Dorneles reports that Liverpool are now evaluating Mec closely, with scouts watching him at the Under-17 World Cup and requesting additional details about his contract.
While this has not yet led to a formal bid, it represents a meaningful step. A fee of around £17m is believed to be enough to convince Grêmio, though Liverpool would likely push for guarantees within any structure. Mec’s contract includes a £43m release clause, a figure Liverpool are unlikely to approach for a 17-year-old, but the club also recognises the potential value of signing a player who could qualify as homegrown in the future.
The Under-17 World Cup has amplified Mec’s profile, pushing interested European clubs to act quickly. Liverpool seem to have acknowledged that urgency and are now making their first concrete moves in what could become a significant long-term investment
