By Paddy Allen
In the week after Liverpool’s goalkeeping issues became even more apparent, the Reds may have sorted a replacement in Marcelo Pitaluga, but he certainly won’t be involved anytime soon.
Hailing from Niteroi, Brazil, he signed before the international transfer deadline on Monday.
He has trained with the first-team squad this week. However, he’ll likely appear for the youth sides from the off. He’s only 17 which makes him extremely young for a goalkeeper.
It also gives him a massive scope to improve his ability long term.
Deemed a “wonderkid” by many, Pitaluga will be looking to move up the goalkeeping ranks at Melwood (soon to be Kirkby). He’ll have some work to do, though.
Pitaluga is listed under the “first-team” category on the official club site. However, it’s likely he’ll be competing against the six academy keepers for game time.
He joins Alisson, Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher in the first team. Both Loris Karius and Kamil Grabara are currently out on loan.
Being a shade taller than Alisson, Pitaluga has everything going for him if he wants to become Liverpool’s number one in the future.
Many fans have compared him to the likes of Gianluigi Donarruma of AC Milan.
They say that in the unlikely chance he’s put in for the derby, his emergence will emulate that of the Italian.
This is just down to the “hype” that comes with new signings.
He was highly thought of at Fluminense. Odair Hellmann awarded him with two appearances amongst the substitutes last season.
Pitaluga spent 10 years at the Brazilian side, featuring heavily in every youth team prior to making the move to Liverpool.
Brazil won the under 17 World Cup last year. Pitaluga was their number one. It’s unlikely that any player who featured for that side was “average.”
They conceded just four goals throughout the whole tournament, eventually overcoming Mexico in the final.
According to reports, Alisson’s brother, Muriel, endorsed the move. This helped to convince the youngster to travel to England.
The club were also in touch with Allan de Souza on a regular basis.
Allan signed for Liverpool in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers but moved on this summer without making a senior appearance.
However, he was on loan at Fluminense last season and was full of positives regarding Pitaluga.
He currently plays for Atletico Mineiro after consistent work permit issues plagued his time on Merseyside.
Social media has seen a rise in fans crying out for a new backup keeper since Sunday.
Although the Reds may have got one, it’s likely the fans will have to wait to see their new Brazilian in action.
Though, it has to be said. With Alisson seemingly becoming more injury-prone and Adrian being public enemy number one after his recent performances, it might actually not be too long before Pitaluga makes an appearance in the squad.
