Liverpool are reportedly interested in a summer move for teenage Spanish striker Iker Bravo, who already has connections to two former Reds players.
In the books for Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, the 18-year-old is currently on loan at Real Madrid Castilla.
He also played under Álvaro Arbeloa in the UEFA Youth League for the Spanish club’s under-19 team, coming on as a substitute to score in a 3-1 win over their counterparts at RB Salzburg in that competition earlier in this week (Transfermarkt).
According to Duncan Castles for the Daily Record, both Liverpool and Newcastle are interested in signing the teenager and have “asked to be kept informed” about his availability; and they could seize a potential opportunity due to Los Blancos’ stance on the player.
The report says: “Although Madrid have an option to buy the 18-year-old Bravo from the Bundesliga club for €10m, they are trying to negotiate that fee downwards, creating an opportunity for the two Bundesliga teams to English Premier League surpass them in the summer window. .”
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The teenage prospect has already made history at Leverkusen, briefly becoming their youngest debutant in October 2021 at the age of just 16 years, nine months and 15 days (TheScore.com). Since then, he has only appeared once more for his first team before joining Real Madrid Castilla on loan last summer.
The 18-year-old has an excellent goalscoring record for Spain in the Under-17 category, scoring 11 goals in 14 international matches in that age category (Transfermarkt).
However, Liverpool would have to decide if it is financially prudent to spend more than €10m (£8.8m) on someone with just two senior appearances and still a lot to prove.
Furthermore, with Jurgen Klopp currently very well-stacked in the forward positions, Bravo will most likely have to bide his time before breaking into the first team at Anfield.
Should the Reds sign him, expect him to rack up a variety of loan spells until he is deemed ready to break into the top ranks on Merseyside.
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