It looks like Jurgen Klopp is set to make his first signing as manager of Liverpool, bringing Alexandre Pato to Anfield.
Once one of the most prized talents in the world, Pato’s career slowed as he returned from Europe to his native Brazil, where he currently plays for Corinthians, on loan from Sao Paulo.
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Sao Paulo president Roberto de Andrade said a deal was in the works for Pato to join Liverpool, in a move that will reportedly cost around $21.5 million.
There is an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer in the coming weeks.
Pato had long expressed a desire to return to Europe.
Liverpool await, there are a few missing details, but Klopp will have a new reinforcement and for Pato the Premier League will be a new springboard.
Pato burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old with AC Milan in 2007. He won the Golden Boy award as the best player in Europe under the age of 21 in 2009 after scoring 18 goals for the club. However, a string of injuries and a dip in form saw him fall out of favor at Milan, as he returned to Brazil in 2013.
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Now 26, Pato’s name came up this summer for a possible return to Europe. The striker admitted he was in talks with Manchester United on deadline day, but was unable to work out a deal. At Liverpool, Pato would join fellow Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, and would give an added boost to a side that has had trouble scoring all season.
