Alisson Becker has suggested that Liverpool should be looking to buy players directly from Brazilian clubs.
Alisson spoke to ESPN Brasil journalist Joao Castelo-Branco via Twitter about the number of European clubs now signing Brazilian talent. The Liverpool ‘keeper said that he is happy to see more of his countryman being valued by clubs on the continent.
“Look, I see that this is changing more in a general way. Football is changing values and especially here for the Premier League, we know the economic power of clubs. So that’s an advantage for the league. And obviously the teams that are selling these players are taking advantage of the opportunity,” said the 29-year-old as transcribed by Sport Witness.
“This is important. I am very happy because the appreciation for the football player, and speaking also of Brazilians, specifically, is a very important appreciation that we need. Brazilian football needs it too.”
However, Alisson did suggest that he’d be even happier if clubs did their shopping at source, in South America.
“I hope that the same look they are having for players who already play in Europe can also be transferred to players who play in Brazil. So that it can also help clubs directly. This would be very important,” he said.
“That imbalance when a player leaves Brazilian football and comes to Europe in the first step, so that it becomes more level. But this is important. This is part of a process. And these players being valued, everyone ends up being valued together.”
Liverpool urged to explore Brazilian market
Obviously, Alisson doesn’t mention Liverpool specifically here. But the inference is that he’d be delighted if his own club could buy some players from Brazil.
It comes as Liverpool are actually being linked with a move for Flamengo star Joao Gomes.
Some of the hesitation from those at the club over a player like Gomes would no doubt be his lack of European football experience.
But as Alisson points out, this doesn’t have to a problem. History is littered with players who have made the step up from Brazilian football to a top European club.
One of the latest of which, Vinicius Junior, Liverpool chose not to sign whilst he was also at Flamengo. After taking a little time to find his feet at Real Madrid, he’s now one of the most feared attackers in world football.
So, Liverpool would do well to heed their goalkeeper’s words. It looks like Madrid are interested in taking Gomes away from Brazil too. Their willingness to explore the Brazilian market has reaped dividends time and again. There’s no reason it shouldn’t work for Liverpool as well.
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