Liverpool have been identified as frontrunners for the acquisition of Brazil goalkeeper Bento after Inter Milan declined to pay Athletico Paranaense’s €15 million asking price.
Inter have instead used those monies to buy Genoa’s Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez, with the goal of making him their long-term number one.
That decision leaves Bento on the market, with Liverpool, Sporting CP, and Benfica among the clubs vying for his signature, according to Globo.
Two more unnamed English clubs have been linked with the 2021 Copa Sudamericana winner.
Inter’s refusal to meet Athletico’s demands is a setback for the 25-year-old, who has long wanted to join the Serie A giants.
If no other interested teams meet their criteria, Bento will be compelled to stay put.
In the national team setup, the two-cap Brazil international is the backup to Liverpool first-choice Alisson Becker, and he played friendly against England at Wembley Stadium and Spain at the Bernabeu in March.
Alisson has stated that he would welcome Bento’s challenge in the Brazilian ranks, adding, “I am still one of the younger ones!”
“I’m at my top. Brazil has numerous talented goalkeepers, both domestically and internationally. It keeps us alert and prevents complacency.”
Athletico’s homegrown goalkeeper has been first choice since 2022 and is under contract until the end of 2026.
KELLEHER WANTS OUT, ADRIAN IS GONE
Liverpool are reportedly looking for a goalkeeper this summer, with Caoimhin Kelleher looking to move abroad to prove himself as a starter, and third-choice Adrian San Miguel returning to Spain with Real Betis.
Other players associated with the role include Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen, Burnley’s James Trafford, and Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, who has since signed to a new contract.
Kelleher, 25, has expressed a desire to prove himself as a first-choice after spending several years in the shadow of Alisson.
He was in goal as Liverpool won the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in February, and Celtic and Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in the Irishman.
The Reds’ goalkeeping department is seeing substantial turmoil this summer, with long-term coach John Achterberg leaving after 15 years.
Fabian Otte will become the next goalkeeping coach after the Copa America, where he is currently working with the United States.
