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Liverpool have officially completed the signing of 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Marcelo Pitaluga from Fluminense. The Reds announced the goalkeeper's acquisition in a social media post on their official account earlier today.
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season and have not been their best selves so far this season. Jurgen Klopp has placed plenty of emphasis on Liverpool's plans for the future and the club's recent decisions in the transfer market have reflected its manager's ambitions.
Liverpool currently rely heavily on back-up goalkeeper Adrian to fill in for Alisson Becker when the latter is ruled out. While Adrian has enjoyed some good moments in the Liverpool side, the Spaniard has been a part of some of Liverpool's most high-profile defeats over the past two years.
The Reds have focussed on improving their youth teams and academy structure in the past few years and will field Pitaluga in some of the junior sides before promoting him to the senior side. The Brazilian will participate in training sessions with the senior side.
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Liverpool sign teenage goalkeeper from Fluminense
Marcelo Pitaluga has made waves in Brazil and has produced some outstanding displays for Fluminense. The shot-stopper has also been successful with his national team and won the under-17 World Cup with Brazil.
Liverpool scouted the youngster with the help of Alisson Becker's brother at Fluminese. Muriel Becker is also a goalkeeper for the Brazilian club and according to Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, the two brothers played an important role in the transfer.
"I asked Ali to speak to his brother to see how it goes and how he is doing. We saw a little bit from the training and the games he was playing for the reserves in Brazil."
Achterberg stressed that while Pitaluga might have boundless potential, Liverpool's standing in Europe and in the Premier League means that the youngster has plenty of work to do to break into the first team. Liverpool have been one of the best teams in the world over the past two years but will need to continually revamp their squad to stay at the top.
"Now he is here, we have to improve him. He is still young, there is no pressure because there is still a long road and we don't want to create any pressure for him because there is still work to do."
With Jurgen Klopp navigating hectic schedules every season, Pitaluga may well be fielded in the first team in a few cup games next year. Liverpool have encountered issues when first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is injured and will eventually rely on his young compatriot.
Liverpool slumped to an astonishing 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa last week and are in desperate need of a return to their prime. Adrian was at fault for one of Aston Villa's goals and is currently under heavy scrutiny in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp has plenty of experience in the top flight and will have to bring all his skills to the fore to help Liverpool defend their Premier League crown. The Merseyside outfit has suffered from a series of defensive lapses this season and will need to resolve their problems to win silverware this season.
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