Liverpool targeting “next Vinicius Jr” who impressed during the U17 World Cup

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Liverpool are keen on Gremio winger Gabriel Mec. The 17-year-old has drawn comparisons to compatriot Vinicius Junior and impressed at last month’s U17 World Cup.

Mec appeared in seven out of the eight games played for Brazil, and showed flashes of his ability throughout. He can play on both flanks and was once on the radar of Shaktar Donetsk and Chelsea.

The latter was reportedly close to wrapping up a €24m deal for the player last summer but negotiations stalled. The player remains highly sought after, and transfer expert Nicolo Schira has reported that the Reds remain interested in the youngster.

Liverpool watched Mec closely at the U17 World Cup and then continued to track him for his club Gremio. There is a clause of £43m in the player’s contract but it understood that Gremio would be willing to negotiate for less.

Reports suggest a deal in the range of £17m would be enough to complete a deal, but most if not all of that sum would need to be guaranteed. The player’s age would qualify him as a homegrown player at Anfield.

Mec has been compared to Vinicius Junior for his pace and skill and attacking style of play. He continues to draw admirers from all over Europe.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for long term replacements for Mohamed Salah. Salah has suffered a dip in form this season which led to manager Arne Slot dropping the player for four consecutive matches.

Salah was on the substitute’s bench for Liverpool’s Premier League matches against West Ham, Leeds, and Sunderland, prompting a furious public reaction from the player in which he slammed the club and his manager. He was then dropped from the squad entirely for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

After showdown talks with manager Arne Slot, Salah was welcomed back into the squad for Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton last Saturday. While Slot moved to cool reports of January departure for Salah, a summer move seems a real possibility.

Reports of substantial offers to Salah from Saudi Arabian clubs continue to make their rounds. Liverpool are also believed to be considering a swoop for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.