Liverpool are reportedly closing in on their first significant piece of summer business, with strong claims emerging from Brazil that a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Allan Elias is moving towards an advanced stage.
The Reds remain sixth in the Premier League and are still competing on multiple fronts, but the sense around Anfield is that planning for the next cycle is already well underway. With this season widely framed as transitional, recruitment work behind the scenes appears to have accelerated, particularly in midfield areas that have lacked consistency at times.
According to reports originating in Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now in the driving seat to sign the 21-year-old, having seen interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Napoli are also said to have tested Palmeiras’ resolve last month with a €35m offer that was rejected, but Liverpool are believed to be confident they can push negotiations forward within the coming weeks.
Allan is under contract at Palmeiras until 2029, with a release clause set at €100m. That alone underlines the scale of the challenge facing any interested club, and raises the possibility of a competitive bidding process should Liverpool’s interest firm into a concrete offer. Even so, Brazilian outlets suggest Palmeiras may be open to negotiation below that figure if the structure is right.
Recent transfer history
Liverpool’s recent transfer history points to a club unafraid of major investment. The Reds spent heavily during the 2025 window, breaking the British transfer record twice with the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, and pushing overall expenditure beyond £400m. Despite that outlay, there is still a sense that certain areas of the squad require refinement rather than wholesale change.
Midfield is one such area. Recent reports that Curtis Jones could have been allowed to leave on loan during the winter window have fuelled speculation that Allan is being viewed as a medium to long-term option rather than an immediate starter. Liverpool have at times lacked bite and control through the centre this season, and the profile of a mobile, energetic midfielder fits the broader tactical demands set by Arne Slot.
There are, however, obvious risks. Allan remains unproven in European football, and committing £35m or more to a player still adapting to senior football at the highest level would represent a calculated gamble. Transfermarkt currently values him at €10m, a figure that highlights just how sharply Palmeiras’ valuation has risen over the last 12 months.
Squad juggling
Liverpool are also juggling wider squad questions. The futures of senior figures such as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson remain unresolved, while multiple positions, including left wing, right back and defensive midfield, are expected to be reviewed once the season concludes.
Whether Liverpool ultimately decide to push ahead at the reported €35m level remains to be seen, but the emergence of Allan Elias as a serious target underlines an approach that looks proactive rather than reactive. With the summer window approaching, Liverpool appear keen to act early rather than be drawn into late-market chaos.
