If Liverpool still plan to bid for Santos wonderkid Rodrygo, the time is now.
Back in March, the Reds were said to be very interested in the 16-year-old. Reports from Brazil covered the chase, and Catalan newspaper Sport claimed there was a €5m bid for him.
Santos were already struggling to agree a contract renewal for the player at the time, and things are still dragging on. As reported by Globo Esporte today, the Brazilian club’s board have forbidden the striker from playing for the U17 squad. They will hold this decision until he decides whether he stays or leaves.
Despite still playing for the U17 squad, this would be Rodrygo’s first professional contract. His current academy deal expires in June 2018. While his agent accuses the club of making pressure for him to renew, the board says the representatives promises offers which never really arrive.
That could be the case with Liverpool, the club being used to pressure Santos.
Santos are afraid that paying a high salary for an academy player will attract other youngsters to ask for the same, so it’s unlikely they will raise their offer.
Rodrygo’s potential is surrounded by great expectation from Santos’ board and fans, with some saying he’s the next one to follow Neymar and Gabigol in the club’s generation of talents. He was signed by Nike when he was only 11, even younger than the Barcelona star.
If Jurgen Klopp interest in the player is genuine then now would be a good time for Liverpool to make a move. However, Rodrygo would have to stay in Brazil until he’s 18, not being able to physically join up with Liverpool, unless his family moved for non footballing reasons.
