Liverpool are keeping an eye on 16-year-old Nicolás Scotti, one of the latest youngsters coming through at Defensor Sporting.
The winger is already getting first-team minutes in Uruguay. Those opportunities have been limited so far, usually coming from the bench, but clubs are paying attention early.
Liverpool are among them. And there could be an interesting opportunity developing around the youngster, with Defensor potentially willing to sell below his release clause.
Liverpool among clubs watching Scotti
ESPN Brazil report that Liverpool are following Scotti, alongside other major European clubs.
There’s interest closer to home as well. São Paulo and Atlético-MG have both made enquiries about his situation.
Scotti has an $8m release clause, currently around €6.8m (£5.9m). Yet even that figure may not be required to get a deal done.
According to ESPN, Defensor accept behind the scenes that they could sell him for less. The Uruguayan club depend heavily on player sales and would consider an offer in the near future.
That makes the situation a bit more interesting for Liverpool. The Reds aren’t looking at a teenager who has already exploded in senior football. They’re getting in early.
Scotti has played only a small number of first-team minutes this season. He has generally been introduced during the second half and hasn’t scored at senior level yet.
His goals have instead come at youth level for Defensor and Uruguay. ESPN put his combined record for Defensor and Uruguay’s U17s at ten appearances and two goals across 2025/26.
A winger who can play on either side
Scotti is primarily a winger and is comfortable operating on both flanks. He’s regarded as one of Uruguay’s big prospects and is currently part of their U17 setup.
There’s already an expectation he will move through the international age groups. ESPN even say he could eventually get opportunities with Uruguay’s senior side.
Liverpool obviously wouldn’t be signing him for Andoni Iraola’s team tomorrow. International transfer rules prevent clubs from simply bringing a 16-year-old South American player to England.
For now, the Reds can watch his development before deciding whether the relatively modest price makes him worth securing for the future.
And of course Defensor’s financial position could help. There’s that €6.8m (£5.9m) clause on paper, but apparently a deal can be done for less.
