Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 17th July Part 2

Liverpool have approached Atletico Mineiro about winger Bernard, 20. The Brazil international has a release clause of approximately £20m, but a number of Champions League sides are believed to be interested in him.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

What’s the story? Bernard is thought of as one of the brightest prospects in Brazil at the moment and could be a late charger to force his way in to their World Cup squad. Liverpool need pace and creativity in wide areas.

Does it make sense? Yes. Although there may well be Champions League clubs interested in him, if you look around them it’s hard to see many that could afford him and have space in the first team that aren’t Russian or Ukranian. Liverpool do still have a certain prestige and he could see how well his countryman Coutinho has settled in and fancy some of the same.

Is the price right? It probably is in truth. It is a lot to pay for a young player with no Champions League experience, but he has potentially world class talent and the club seem to have money available for the right players.

Will it happen? 6/10 – Mineiro don’t want to sell but couldn’t reject such a big offer. The rivals for his signing don’t look like such obvious places for him as Liverpool do.