The Premier League and Brazil have had a strong relationship over the years, with players from the South American nation going on to become some of the best to ever play football in England.
As one of the biggest powerhouses in the sport, it’s only natural that Premier League clubs and football fans in general warm towards players from Brazil. And with the introduction of new Brexit rules for teams, signing them has just become a whole lot easier.
Indeed, the upcoming transfer window could see numerous Premier League clubs sign players from Brazil, with Arsenal already reportedly close to signing Sao Paulo talent Marquinhos.
The South American nation has had a huge effect on the Premier League, and here we take a look at the best Brazil XI currently playing in the English top-flight, with some players out of position to accommodate the team.
GK – Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker and Ederson Moraes are two of the best keepers in world football, which makes it harsh on both players that they both represent Brazil at the international level. Though just like the Selecao, the Liverpool star edges out in this XI.
The favourite to win the Premier League Golden Glove and a hero for Liverpool in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, Alisson has once again been magnificent for the Reds this season, and the Brazilian will be hoping to add a second UEFA Champions League title to his trophy cabinet.
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal went big to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from LOSC Lille in 2020, and the transfer has worked out excellently for the north London side, with the centre-back one of the club’s most important players.
This season has seen the Brazilian form a solid partnership with Ben White, and Gabriel’s performances have been massive in Arsenal’s quest to claim a top-four Premier League finish for the first time in six years.
CB – Thiago Silva
The oldest outfield player in the Premier League this season, you can be mistaken for thinking Thiago Silva was in the prime of his career, such is the quality of the Brazilian centre-back for Chelsea.
One of the most accomplished and decorated defenders in recent memory, Silva has been incredible for Chelsea since arriving from PSG, and the Brazilian is set to stick around until the end of next season when he will be 38-years-old.
CB – Fabinho
A defensive midfielder by trade, Fabinho starts at centre-back in our XI on the basis that the Liverpool star is simply too good to not be included, with the Brazilian international arguably the best in his position in the division.
Like his goalkeeping teammate Alisson, Fabinho’s performances have been huge in Liverpool’s success this season, and the Brazilian are a key reason why the Reds have undergone such an incredible year under Jurgen Klopp.
RM – Raphinha
Leeds United’s season has largely been one to forget, though had it not been for Raphinha, the Whites would have been confirmed for the Championship many weeks ago.
The winger has been outstanding this season, and with reports of a move to FC Barcelona this summer growing stronger by the day, Raphinha looks set for a huge career move in the coming weeks at the end of this season.
CM – Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes joined Newcastle United in January for a reported £40m in what is currently PIF’s biggest move yet as owners of the Magpies, and the move has worked out perfectly for the 24-year-old.
The Brazilian midfielder has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, and Guimaraes’ performances have been huge to Newcastle flying up the table and confirming their safety for next season.
CM – Philippe Coutinho
Another shock signing in the winter was that of Philippe Coutinho’s loan move to Aston Villa from Barcelona, a deal that worked out so well that Steven Gerrard’s side have since made the transfer permanent.
Whilst form in recent weeks has been poor from the 29-year-old, there’s no denying that Coutinho is one of the biggest signings Villa have made in some time, and the playmaker will be huge for the club next season under Gerrard at Villa Park.
LM – Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal and Tottenham both have two Brazilians on their books, but it is the red side of north London that sees their Samba Boys in this Premier League XI, with Gabriel Martinelli easily the most exciting player out of the quartet.
The 20-year-old has this season taken his game to another level, with Martinelli a key player for Mikel Arteta and now a full Brazilian international at senior level in what has been a Premier League season to remember for the youngster.
RW – Gabriel Jesus
With double digits in goals and assists this season, Gabriel Jesus has had a productive year for Manchester City, with Arsenal now reportedly close to signing the 25-year-old attacker as the Premier League leaders look to make space for the incoming Erling Haaland.
Versatile enough to play anywhere in the attacking three, Jesus has perhaps not enjoyed as much of the spotlight as the forward would have expected, with the Brazilian never being viewed as the main man for City in his five years at the club.
ST – Roberto Firmino
Once viewed as one of Liverpool’s most important players, Roberto Firmino has seen his presence with the Reds dwindle over the past 12 months, with the Brazilian now second-fiddle in the centre-forward spot to Diogo Jota.
Still an incredible player, Firmino could be looking for a summer move to play more regular football ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the attacker will be hopeful of winning a spot in Brazil’s squad for the competition.
LW – Richarlison
As with Leeds, Everton have been a car crash this season, and had it not been for the goals and performances of Richarlison, the Toffees will have likely been down and out for the season.
Another Brazilian who looks set for a big move this summer, Richarlison has always shown promise of being able to play for a bigger club, and depending on Everton’s status for next season, the forward could be ready for a career-changing transfer in the upcoming window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
