Southampton made a €12m offer for Palmeiras U20 striker Luighi in the summer, but saw it rejected by the club and the 18-year-old.
That’s according to journalist Flavio Latif, who reports that Southampton ‘presented a proposal’ for the player in the summer transfer window.
He, alongside UOL, explains that Luighi only has three professional games and one goal for Palmeiras so far but is being watched by European giants already.
According to João Paulo Sampaio, the club’s youth coordinator, the Brazilian club has already rejected three proposals from clubs interested in the forward.
Latif insists Southampton are one of them. They made a €12m offer in the summer but this was rejected by Palmeiras as the club was ‘not excited’ about the price offered. They’ve already renewed the player’s contract twice this year and the last deal includes an €80m release clause.
They, therefore, want considerably more for the young talent and so were quick to reject Southampton’s offer.
They’re keen to stop the ‘European harassment’ from hindering his performance and development moving forwards and the player is aware of this, hiring former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva to advise him moving forwards.
The former Gunner currently works for CAA Base, the agency representing the striker, and has explained what his role involves.
“I try to help Luighi through my learning. How to deal with moments of pressure, difficulties he encounters along the way and set goals for his career,” he said.
“When speculation arises, that big clubs are looking at him, I just say keep your feet on the ground and keep working. He is at a great club, Palmeiras, he has a golden opportunity, and we want him to perform well to consolidate himself with the professionals.”
