Liverpool's latest signing could have a big hand in shaping the club's future transfer business as he prepares for a move to Anfield in January 2027
Liverpool's Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the fans following during the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield
Andoni Iraola's latest staff signing could help Liverpool get ahead of the competition in landing a wave of Brazilian prospects(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool may be about to gain an edge in the Brazilian transfer market thanks to their latest recruit. The Reds have agreed a deal to bring Flamengo head of scouting, Andrii Fedchenkov, to Anfield in January 2027.
The Ukrainian previously worked in similar roles for Shakhtar Donetsk and Cardiff City. He was also head of recruitment for two years at Greek giants PAOK and reportedly specialises in the South American and Japanese markets.
Having worked in the Brasileiro Serie A for more than 18 months, Fedchenkov will bring valuable insight about the country's best up-and-coming talents. Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the finest teen prospects in Brazil right now to determine which wonderkids could make for desirable recruits in the near future.
1. Ze Lucas, 18 (CM, Cruzeiro)
Cruzeiro midfielder Ze Lucas sticks out as one of the most ready-made prospects who could arrive at Anfield prepared to compete for minutes. Despite only just being old enough to legally drink in the UK, the 18-year-old already has 69 senior appearances under his belt, the majority of which he gathered at former club Sport Recife.
Cruzeiro also recognised his potential when they signed him in July on a five-year contract, which is considered long in Brazil for a player of his age. Barcelona were linked with the tough-tackling midfield anchor prior to that move, which is further indication of the talent he possesses.
Reinforcements in the middle of the park haven't been a priority for Liverpool in recent windows but look likely to become a more pressing concern in 2027. Ze Lucas moved to Cruzeiro for a reported £3.5million but the Brazil under-20 international will be expected to fetch a far higher price now.
2. Kaue Furquim, 17 (RW, Bahia)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola continues to experiment on the right wing, with Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz each trying their hand following Mohamed Salah's departure. However, Bahia starlet Kaue Furquim would offer a far more natural fit for the position.
The 17-year-old has already been at the centre of some Premier League-related controversy. Bahia, who are 90 per cent-owned by City Football Group, were accused of acting as intermediaries for Manchester City, who have an obvious in to sign the player from their sister club.
However, that may not be the foregone conclusion it once appeared in light of City being found guilty of spending breaches and now awaiting punishment. Liverpool could capitalise by making their own move for Furquim, who has two goals in 15 senior outings for Bahia, as well as scoring twice in as many appearances for Brazil's under-18s.
3. Arthur Dias, 19 (CB, Athletico Paranaense)
Moving onto the defence, there's already been a concerted effort by Liverpool to fill its stockpile of young centre-back talents. But 19-year-old Arthur Dias could join the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni as part of that next generation in central defence.
The teenager's current contract at Athletico Paranaense is due to expire in December 2028 and reportedly has a release clause worth £50m. Liverpool could be able to negotiate a deal for less than that fee, though his current club is understandably eager to tie him down on fresh terms.
Carlo Ancelotti has already recognised the 6'2" gem by awarding him two senior caps for Brazil, in addition to his 53 first-team outings at club level. Initially drafted into Athletico Paranaense's first team as injury cover, Dias has flourished in his transition to the senior ranks and continues to impress in Brazil's top flight after helping his club gain promotion from Serie B last year.
4. Iago Machado, 17 (CB, Corinthians)
Another centre-back grabbing considerable attention in Brazil's youth ranks is 17-year-old Iago Machado. The Corinthians defender has made just two senior appearances for the club but has built up enough stock in the under-20 team that Europe's giants are already well aware of his talent.
So much so that Corinthians inserted an £86m release clause into his deal, which is exclusive to clubs outside Brazil. One sticking point is that Liverpool would in any case have to wait until after February 2027, when the player turns 18, to make a move for his signature.
Brazilian broadcaster TMC has reported that Arsenal have already sounded out Corinthians in hope of getting ahead in the race for Machado. That being said, Fedchenkov may play a key role in opening the transfer battle back up, even if that is the case.
5. Ryan Augusto, 19 (RB, Red Bull Brangantino)
Ryan Augusto of Red Bull Bragantino (R) and Jhon Arias of Palmeiras (L) fight for possession during the Brasileirao 2026 32nd-round match between Palmeiras and Bragantino at Arena Barueri
Ryan Augusto of Red Bull Bragantino could one day succeed Jeremie Frimpong or Conor Bradley(Image: Riquelve Nata/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
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Wouldn't you know, Arsenal are also alleged to have made informal contact with Red Bull Bragantino over a move for right-back Ryan Augusto. However, nothing concrete means Liverpool could still step in to snatch the 19-year-old for themselves.
Right-back has been something of a problem area for Liverpool in recent campaigns. Jeremie Frimpong has shown promise in patches since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last year, while concerns remain over Conor Bradley's long-term fitness.
Steadily gaining experience in Bragantino's first team, Augusto has already earned seven caps for Brazil's under-20s. The youngster was sidelined for several months with a knee injury earlier this year but it doesn't appear to have impeded his progress.
Augusto's current contract is due to expire in January 2029 and isn't reported to have a release clause, though his club reportedly wants to change that. And while Jurgen Klopp may have left his former role as Red Bull's head of global soccer, there may yet be strings the Liverpool icon could pull at a former affiliate to nudge the player towards Anfield.
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