Liverpool’s search for the next generation of talent appears to have stretched to Uruguay, with 16-year-old Defensor Sporting winger Nicolás Scotti emerging as the latest name on the Reds’ radar.

According to reports originating from ESPN Brasil, Liverpool are monitoring Scotti alongside Brazilian giants São Paulo and Atlético Mineiro. 

The teenager has a release clause worth around $8 million (approximately £6 million) although Defensor Sporting’s financial situation could potentially open the door to negotiations below that figure. 

Scotti is still very much at the beginning of his senior career, but Liverpool’s interest makes sense when you look beyond the raw numbers.

Born in November 2009, the 5ft 7in right-footed attacker is primarily a right winger but is capable of operating from either side.

He has already broken into Defensor’s senior side, making a handful of appearances in Uruguay’s top flight. Most recently, he came off the bench during Defensor’s 1-0 victory over Danubio on 27th September. 

His international numbers offer another glimpse of his potential. Scotti has made six appearances for Uruguay at U17 level, scoring twice across 472 minutes, while the Uruguayan FA lists him among its latest U17 squad.

Those aren’t earth-shattering statistics, but nobody should expect them to be. He’s 16. Liverpool would be buying potential rather than production.

The attraction is instead in Scotti’s profile, a quick, technically gifted wide forward comfortable attacking defenders from either side.

Liverpool have increasingly targeted elite teenagers before their valuations explode, and Scotti would represent another long-term investment rather than somebody expected to walk immediately into the first team.

There would also be one major complication. FIFA regulations mean Liverpool could not bring Scotti to England immediately. As an overseas player under 18, any agreement would effectively need to be structured around him remaining elsewhere before officially joining once eligible. Scotti turns 18 in November 2027. 

For now, this is firmly one to file under “watch this space” rather than “deal imminent.”

There is no indication Liverpool have submitted an offer, and interest from São Paulo and Atlético Mineiro means they are far from alone.

But £6 million for one of Uruguay’s emerging attacking talents? Liverpool clearly believe South America is a market worth watching and Scotti could be the next name to remember.

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