Liverpool have submitted an offer to sign the £54.4 million-rated Brazilian winger Rayan Vitor Simplicio from Vasco da Gama, Soccernet.football reports.
The Anfield giants are hoping to sign Simplico as they seek to reinforce their attacking line should Mohamed Salah leave the club next summer.
However, reports from Spain suggest the 18-year-old has chosen a different path, opting to join Barcelona.
According to E-Noticies, the Catalan giants are now in pole position to sign Simplicio.
The La Liga leaders are reportedly set to pay around €18 million for the teenager, a figure considerably below his release clause. The youngster’s contract with Vasco is set to expire in December 2025, but Barcelona appear confident of securing his services at a discount.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Simplicio comes amid speculation that Salah could leave Anfield on a free transfer next summer. If the Egyptian forward departs, Arne Slot will need a replacement capable of bringing the same level of creativity and finishing that has defined Salah’s time at Liverpool.
Barcelona’s interest in wide attackers was clear this past summer, when they were initially pursuing Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
However, Williams opted to remain in Bilbao, opening the door for Barcelona to turn their focus to Simplicio. With the Brazilian teenager reportedly turning down Liverpool’s approach, Barcelona seem poised to finalise the deal.
Salah himself has recently been linked with a move to Barcelona, fueling speculation about an overhaul of Liverpool’s attack next season.
Whether or not Liverpool manage to bring in a new star to replace Salah remains to be seen, but Simplicio’s decision appears to have dealt a blow to those plans.