Report: Liverpool have big hopes for 17-year-old; could promote him to Under-23s

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Liverpool are planning to hand Marcelo Pitaluga the chance to prove himself in their U23 side despite the fact that the new signing is just 17, according to Goal.com.

The teenage goalkeeper is hardly a household name on the red side of Stanley Park. But that does not mean he will not arrive at Anfield without the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

The fact that members of the Fluminense fan base have embarked on very public protests to express their dissatisfaction over Pitaluga’s impending departure speaks volumes about the youngster’s vast potential.

And, according to UOL, there is a real belief at Liverpool that the Brazil youth star could be the heir apparent to Alisson Becker; perhaps the finest goalkeeper in world football today.

Pitaluga won’t turn 18 until December but, clearly, he is a young man with a big reputation.

Goal even claims that Liverpool’s newest signing, who is expected to complete a near £2 million move this week, will be thrust in at Under 23 level, making him one of the youngest players in Barry Lewtas’s squad.

With Liverpool looking to balance domestic and European exploits during a hectic fixture schedule, do not be surprised to see Klopp throw Pitaluga in at the deep end for a first-team debut in a Champions League dead-rubber or an FA Cup third round clash.

“He is an excellent boy, from a good family, down to earth and he works hard. I’m sure he will make football history (at Liverpool),” Muriel Becker, Pitaluga’s former Fluminense team-mate and Alisson’s older brother, told Globo Esporte.

“We were very happy (to see him head to Liverpool). I am also happy that he will be Alisson’s companion, who will be able to help and accompany him. He is a boy who loves to learn, he is always listening.

“I am very happy with his success, he is deserving of it.”