Exclusive: Liverpool tracking 18-year-old Brazilian – Considered top fullback prospect

Liverpool may already be planning the long-term succession on the left side of their defence, and that process leads them back to Brazil.

With Andy Robertson entering the final stretch of his time at Anfield and Milos Kerkez still working to fully convince since arriving, the Premier League club have started looking further ahead in the market. One name now on their radar is 18-year-old Vinícius Lira.

Sport Witness sources confirm Liverpool have been following the Santos youngster over recent months. The club’s South American scouts have monitored his development as the Brazilian club gradually prepares him for a larger role in the senior squad.

Liverpool watching Santos talent closely

Born in October 2007, Lira is considered one of the most exciting prospects produced by Santos in recent years.

The left-back stands out immediately for his physical profile. At around 1.87m tall, he combines unusual height for the position with strong athleticism and long strides. That allows him to cover ground quickly and support attacks with regular overlapping runs.

However, the attacking contribution is only part of his appeal. Coaches in Brazil often highlight his crossing ability, delivery from wide areas and set-piece quality. Lira is also comfortable arriving in the box and has already contributed goals and assists throughout the youth levels. Liverpool scouts will have picked up on this.

Across the 2025 youth season, he made around 40 appearances for Santos’ academy sides, scoring five goals and providing five assists. During that period he also helped the club win the state titles at both U17 and U20 levels.

The teenager already has limited senior experience as well. He debuted for the first team in the 2025 state championship and has since made five senior appearances, three of them as a starter.

Tottenham move opens door

Lira’s pathway to regular first-team football has been shaped by an interesting twist involving Liverpool’s Premier League rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur recently moved to sign Santos left-back Souza, a deal that created immediate space for Lira to climb the internal hierarchy.

Within Santos, there is a growing belief that the teenager could eventually prove the more complete prospect. Some figures close to the club have even joked that Tottenham may have bought “the wrong left-back”. Now it’s up to Liverpool to get the right one.

The Merseyside club have shown increasing interest in identifying elite talents before they fully explode in South America. If Lira continues his progression with the Santos first team this year, Liverpool could find themselves well positioned to act.

Why the profile appeals to Liverpool

Liverpool’s recruitment model has often prioritised full-backs capable of contributing heavily in attack. Under multiple managers, the role has required pace, crossing ability and stamina to cover the entire flank. Lira’s profile fits many of those requirements already.

Despite his age, he combines physical strength with forward intent. His ability to reach the byline and deliver early crosses is one of the most cited aspects of his game. Meanwhile, his size offers an advantage in aerial duels and defensive transitions.

He is also left-footed, comfortable receiving under pressure and capable of striking set pieces.

For now, Liverpool’s interest remains at the monitoring stage. The club are simply keeping close tabs on his development as he moves into senior football.

But with Robertson approaching the latter stages of his Anfield career, and Kerkez still under evaluation, Liverpool’s succession planning may already be underway.

Vinícius Lira is managed by Bertolucci Sports, who represent some of the most high profile Brazilians in the Premier League. The agency is vastly experienced at transfers across the globe, and are well placed to help Liverpool complete a deal.