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Luan in a million? What we know about Liverpool's latest Brazilian target

Sam Elliott
Brazil’s next big thing: Luan is wanted by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, right
Brazil’s next big thing: Luan is wanted by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, right

Liverpool are looking to replace a classy Brazilian playmaker with another – but what do we know Luan Guilherme de Jesus Vieira?

Well, thankfully he’s only really known as Luan – and they’re already talking about this guy as the next big thing to come out of south America.

We exclusively revealed last night that Jurgen Klopp is looking to the Gremio forward to bulk up his forwardline.

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With Daniel Sturridge nearing an Anfield exit, reinforcements are required – and despite having £142m burning a hole in their pocket from Barcelona, they could get Luan for as little as £14m.

In today’s market, that presents a no-risk purchase and although he’s 24 he is now looking to move to Europe and push forward with his career.

So what do we know about him?

His burst of pace is what makes him stand out, and although his goal record isn’t something which will get the Kop overly excited – 65 goals in 219 matches – he is improving all the time.

He scored eight goals in 12 games during the 2017 Copa Libertadores and, according to Brazilian media, is getting better with every game he plays. They feel he is now ready for the next step – the Premier League.

Had their Phil: Liverpool need attacking replacements with Coutinho gone and Daniel Sturridge close to an exit
Had their Phil: Liverpool need attacking replacements with Coutinho gone and Daniel Sturridge close to an exit

So where does he fit in to a Liverpool attack which, although soon to be shorn of two, already possesses three forward of real quality and craft?

Luan, isn’t an out-and-out forward. Any move would be seen as competition for Adam Lallana in the role just behind the Reds’ forward trio. Once settled, the assumption is that the Brazilian would then play slightly more advanced – the role made famous by Philippe Coutinho.

In fact, this is not the first time that Liverpool have been linked with his services.

In August 2017, Klopp sent his scouts to watch him action. Impressed, they have kept tabs ever since. Could a move be getting closer?