Liverpool are among a number of European clubs tracking Brazilian starlet Lucas Beraldo, 90min understands.
Beraldo has been one of the standout young defenders in Brazil after breaking into the Sao Paulo team in 2022, becoming a regular starter for the club despite his tender age. The 19-year-old was even a key player in Sao Paulo's recent Copa do Brasil triumph, starting in the heart of their defence in both legs of the final clash against Flamengo and helping his side to an eventual 2-1 aggregate win.
The Brazil Under-20 international has become an important member of the Sao Paulo starting lineup thanks in large part of his ability on the ball. The left-footed player is known for his range of passing and his ability to drift past opponents to help his side retain possession in their own defensive third.
The highly sought after qualities Beraldo possesses have notably alerted a number of European clubs in recent months. 90min understands Wolves saw a bid for the centre-back be rejected by Sao Paulo during the summer transfer window - the club ultimately opting to sign Santiago Bueno for £8.5m from Girona on deadline day instead.
Sources have now confirmed to 90min that Liverpool are now keeping a close eye on Beraldo, with the Reds potentially seeing the defender as a long-term option to replace the ageing pair of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.
Both of Liverpool's current starting centre-backs are 32 years old and have notably shown signs of regression over the last 18 months after a number of years as one of the most fearsome defensive partnerships in the Premier League.
Liverpool also have Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah - who has thoroughly impressed when given minutes this season - on the books, but none of their five options are left-footed like Beraldo is.
Along with Liverpool, 90min understands that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Ligue 1 sides Olympique Lyonnais and Monaco have also recently sent scouts to Brazil to watch the youngster.
Despite interest from a number of top European clubs, iG Esporte have reported that the defender is currently in talks over a contract renewal at Sao Paulo, with the player's current deal due to expire in 2026.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Liverpool and Bayern Munich scout Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo.
