Liverpool are pushing forward with an attempt to sign Atalanta youngster Samuel Inacio Pia.
The Reds have done good work in their academy this summer. Just yesterday they wrapped up two new signings, defender Amara Nallo following midfielder Trey Nyoni through the arrivals door.
And according to Italian outlet TUTTOmercatoWEB, they may not be done just yet.
They claim that Liverpool have ‘moved with conviction’ to sign Pia. Although he’s aged just 15, it’s reported that the Reds have already submitted an official offer to sign the playmaker.
Described as ‘among the best next talents’ coming out of Atalanta, Pia is reportedly also an Italian U16 international. Interesting stuff from Liverpool.
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Liverpool make Pia offer
It remains to be seen whether anything more comes of this. But in this day and age of Brexit, it seems strange for Liverpool to be targeting a youngster from Europe.
Rules currently dictate that no EU-based player can be signed by British clubs until they turn 18. As a result, they’d be putting some serious faith in Pia by signing him.
Of course, it isn’t out of the question that they could do it. We’ve seen Chelsea sign Ecuadorian youngster Kendry Paez two or three years before he can join them.
If clubs are convinced of a youngster’s talent, then they’ll do whatever it takes to bring them in.
As seen in the additions of Nyoni and Nallo, Liverpool are on a bit of a recruitment drive for the academy. However, it wouldn’t be very on-brand for them to go for a signing like this.
The last time they did make an exception and sign a young player from a European club really paid off, though. That player was Stefan Bajcetic, who managed to sneak in just before the Brexit rules came into place.
Given the success of Bajcetic, there should be hope that if Liverpool do push forward with Pia, they’ve been convinced that he could make a similar impact.