Liverpool's pursuit of Matias Orozco collapses as City and Premier League rivals circle

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Colombian teenage midfielder Matias Orozco have collapsed entirely, with journalist Pipe Sierra reporting the Reds have a ‘zero per cent chance’ of landing the Deportivo Cali starlet they were linked with earlier this summer.

The Barranquilla-born deep-lying playmaker, 18, caught attention after breaking into Cali’s first team last season, and Colombian outlet VBar Caracol had reported he was close to a move to Merseyside. That link now appears to be dead, with Manchester City, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Everton, Aston Villa and Fulham all named as interested parties. Leeds United and Brentford have also been touted as potential destinations. Orozco is valued at €1.4m by Transfermarkt.

The news comes at a delicate moment for Liverpool, who opened their Premier League campaign under new head coach Andoni Iraola with a late draw at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher was pointed in his post-match assessment, singling out Ryan Gravenberch’s positioning and questioning whether Dominik Szoboszlai has the defensive discipline to operate in a double-pivot.

“I think Liverpool do need someone alongside Gravenberch,” Carragher said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a player who can’t get on the ball, who’s just tackling and stopping players. If you play for one of the top teams in the world, like Liverpool are, you need to be able to get hold of the ball — but I want someone in [the midfield] who can run, and I just think Szoboszlai has to go to the no.10.”

Despite those concerns over the midfield, Liverpool’s transfer activity appears focused elsewhere. A deal for Yankuba Minteh is reported to be close, and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has been linked throughout the window, suggesting the club’s priority additions are wide rather than central.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have already moved to strengthen their own options in the South American market, completing a deal for Palmeiras winger Allen. Whether they will follow up with a move for Orozco remains to be seen, but their inclusion on the list of suitors underlines the level of interest in the teenager.

Liverpool return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest next weekend.