Sanjoanense’s Paulinho is set to join the Reds in the summer
The 17-year-old is currently in Merseyside with his father, before returning to Portugal for the remainder of the season.
Liverpool’s academy coaches were impressed with the teenager after a brief trial several months ago, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.
Paulinho, a midfielder, is very gifted technically and always maintains his composure in possession – the type of player Brendan Rodgers loves to take under his wing and nurture.
A statement on the Portugese club’s website said: “Sanjoanense informs that, after many months of negotiations, they have reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Paulo Alves [Paulinho].”
“The agreement should be formalised in the coming days, with the player allowed to travel to Liverpool in the company of his father.”
The Iberian invasion
Liverpool seem to have developed a preference for Portugese players with Joao Teixeira and Tiago Llori both originating from the Western European country.
Paulinho will start off in the Kirby academy but will have the opportunity to progress onto Melwood if he proves himself early on.
The relationship between Liverpool and Portugal seems to have matured since the former Porto youth coach, Pep Lijnders, joined the Merseyside club, according to Football writer Paul Grech.
As the season draws to a close, the Reds occupy fifth place, four points behind Manchester United, with three games left to play.
Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne
