Liverpool have made contact with Kevin Mantilla over potentially becoming a Liverpool player in the summer as the Reds continue to rebuild their squad.
Who is Kevin Mantilla?
Mantilla is a 20-year-old centre-back from Bogota, Columbia. He is a u-21 Colombia international. He has 23 caps for them and there’s signs he’ll be breaking into the senior team.
Mantilla started his career out at Independent Santa Fe. He was a youth academy player but earned his place in the senior squad. He made over 25 appearances for the club before leaving in 2023 for Argentinian side CA Talleres. They signed him for £1.3m.
He has now made 8 appearances for CA Talleres and has attracted the attention of Premier League league leaders Liverpool. Brighton have also shown interest in Mantilla.
Why do Liverpool want Mantilla?
Liverpool have been monitoring many centre-backs as they show huge indication they want to sign young talent to replace the ageing Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip.
Liverpool have been looking at Jean-Clair Todibo – a 24-year-old centre-back who plays in Ligue 1 with OG Nice.
Mantilla will be a cheap option for Liverpool as a player who can learn and grow under Jurgen Klopp. Klopp has always been one to entrust youth and it’s clear that he admires Mantilla.
Mantilla is a tall and strong centre-back who shows great aggression and passion. He is tipped to be a strong leader with some even comparing him to Sergio Ramos. Van Dijk is 32-years-old so Liverpool might be about to purchase their next captain.
Have Liverpool made a bid for Mantilla?
Talleres president Andres Fassi confirmed Liverpool’s interest for Mantilla. He said: “It’s true, they [Liverpool] have been following him for four months now. And they asked us for information about his physical records.”
“At the moment there is only interest from Liverpool, as well as Brighton. But there is no formal offer.”
Colombian journalist Juan Bee also gave The Red Man TV an update on the possibility of Liverpool signing him. He said: “Mantilla has been a wish for Liverpool since the Under-20 Championships in which Liverpool served as a scout.”
The connection of Luis Diaz also might be a huge sell for Mantilla. Diaz has been a star for Columbia and he loves life at Liverpool where he has felt love and passion.
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