Latest developments
- Liverpool are targeting LA Galaxy winger Gabriel Pec.
- They face competition from Arsenal for the highly-rated Brazilian.
- Pec had 39 goal involvements in 40 Galaxy matches in 2024.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Likely to draw in top clubs
Liverpool are monitoring Brazilian under-23 international Gabriel Pec, after the right-winger's superb season for LA Galaxy in the MLS.
This comes from caughtoffside.com, who have given little detail on their sources, but claim a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal and Crystal Palace – and Serie A sides want his signature. After 21 goals and 19 assists in the 2024 season, it would be no surprise if he is attracting attention from the elite.
Value (4/5): Must Liverpool act fast?
It remains unclear when the Reds or any other club will put in a bid for Pec, as though already 23, he is still considered one for the future.
Valued at around £6.6 million, LA Galaxy will want a fair bit more than with the former Vasco da Gama man under contract until 2028, but Liverpool might want to get a move on and put a bid in next month, before a lengthy bidding process begins.
Suitability (2.5/5): Unproven in Europe
Pec racked up 178 appearances for boyhood club Vasco before heading to LA a year ago, but is therefore yet to play in Europe. Going straight to a Premier League and UEFA Champions League contender like Liverpool will be a huge ask.
If he can do it, then he will bring remarkable creativity and finishing abilities to Arne Slot's team, able to play on either flank and behind a centre-forward. Ideal for either formation favoured at Anfield.
Upgrade? (1.5/5): The next Salah?
If he could bring half the number of goals and assists he's managed in the MLS to the Premier League, then Pec could be considered a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing, though certainly not an upgrade.
But Liverpool will need someone much more experienced to come in on that flank to replace their club legend.
Logic (2/5): Pec needs another stepping stone
The MLS is being used as a stepping stone for many young South American talents before heading to Europe, but making a giant leap to Liverpool after a year would somewhat beat the point. Pec could benefit from a move to Italy first, or one of the “smaller” English clubs said to want him, such as Palace or Fulham.
As for Liverpool, it only makes sense to bring Pec in if they can guarantee a price around valuation, and if they can bring in another, more established, right-winger.
Whisper+ verdict: 12.5/25
One for the future for Liverpool, but one for now for plenty of clubs in Europe. The Reds may well be keeping tabs on him, but that's perhaps what they should continue to do for another couple of years.
