Liverpool Set Sights on Brighton Star Joao Pedro and Serbian Wonderkid Maksimovic.
Liverpool are reportedly gearing up for an exciting January transfer window, with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro emerging as a top target.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, the Reds have been monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian for five years. And they are now prepared to step up negotiations to secure his signature.
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Joao Pedro has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. He has registered four goals and three assists in just 591 minutes of football. His ability to combine lethal finishing with a knack for linking play fits perfectly into the system envisioned by Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot.
If Michael Edwards and the data team think the goals are scaleable it's easy to see why #LFC could go for Joao Pedro.
Only 23, played 70 times in the PL and 73 in the Championship.
These are his stats as a striker but he's top 12% for non-penalty xG as an attacking midfielder. pic.twitter.com/WzNgXMezQg
— Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) December 6, 2024
UOL journalist Bruno Andrade claims Liverpool have already initiated exploratory talks with Brighton. But competition for Pedro is expected to intensify. Manchester United have also shown interest in the forward. Although, recent departures of key figures in their recruitment department might weaken their pursuit.
Why Liverpool need Pedro?
Pedro’s addition could provide a timely boost for Liverpool. Especially when there are concerns lingering over Darwin Nunez’s long-term consistency and Diogo Jota’s injury record. Slot reportedly views Pedro as a player who can seamlessly slot into his attacking setup, bringing versatility and dynamism to the Reds’ frontline.
In a separate move, Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Serbian teenager Andrija Maksimovic, dubbed “Red Star’s Messi.” The 17-year-old has already made waves in the Champions League. And he has been scouted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City.
𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑵𝑺𝑭𝑬𝑹 𝑹𝑼𝑴𝑶𝑼𝑹
João Pedro is a target for Liverpool for next season.
Liverpool intend to start negotiations as early as January since Brighton are one of the most challenging clubs to negotiate with.
✍️ @UOL pic.twitter.com/CgFAYcBWln
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 11, 2024
Mozzart Sport reports that Liverpool’s scouting manager for Italy, Switzerland, Serbia, and Croatia, Paul Goldrick, was present at the San Siro earlier this week to assess Maksimovic during Red Star Belgrade’s Champions League clash. Despite being just 17, Maksimovic has shown maturity beyond his years and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.
While no official bids have been made for Maksimovic. But, Liverpool’s interest signals the club’s intent to secure the future of their attacking options. With two potentially transformative signings on the horizon, the Reds look poised to further bolster their squad as they aim for silverware this season.
Both Pedro and Maksimovic could significantly shape Liverpool’s fortunes in the years to come, as Arne Slot continues to rebuild and refine his team.
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Sridarshi Chowdhury
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where "You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport. My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it's discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I'm always ready for a football conversation.