Liverpool and Brighton Eye Rising Colombian Star Kevin Mantilla
South American Talent in Focus
Liverpool and Brighton are reportedly vying for the signature of Kevin Mantilla, a Colombian defensive talent who recently made waves in the Argentinean top flight. Both clubs have a history of tapping into South American talent, with Brighton highly active in the market in recent times; a trend they seem eager to continue.
Liverpool Initiates Contact with CA Talleres
It has emerged that Liverpool have been in contact with CA Talleres regarding Mantilla, a 20-year-old Colombian prospect. However, they are not alone in this pursuit, with Brighton also showing keen interest. The young defender, who transitioned from Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia to Talleres, has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while, with the club keenly monitoring his progress in Argentina despite potential work visa challenges.
🚨(🌕)| @LaVozcomAr: The president of Argentinian club @CATalleresdecba has CONFIRMED that both Liverpool and @OfficialBHAFC are following Colombian centre-back Kevin Mantilla (20) and have been doing so for FOUR months while also asking for his physical reports 🗂️✅ pic.twitter.com/m4afOTfNiN
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) January 13, 2024
Fassi Confirms Liverpool’s Interest
Andres Fassi, the president of Talleres, confirmed the interest from Liverpool, stating, “It’s true, they have been following him for four months now. And they asked us for information about his physical records.” These comments were sourced via Sport Witness, indicating a heightened level of engagement from the Reds. However, a move in January seems improbable, with Fassi disinclined to let Mantilla go shortly after his arrival at Cordoba.
Mantilla’s Rising Profile
Mantilla’s journey has been impressive. Although he hasn’t yet debuted for the senior Colombian team, he played a crucial role in the Under-20 squad, helping them secure third place in the South American Championship in 2023 and reach the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup.
Liverpool’s Transfer Window Moves
Meanwhile, Liverpool has been active in the transfer market, particularly in offloading players. Fabio Carvalho, Marcelo Pitaluga, Vitezslav Jaros, and Luke Chambers are among those loaned out, while Paul Glatzel made a permanent switch to Swindon Town. Carvalho, who recently debuted for Hull City, was lauded by Hull boss Liam Rosenior: “Technically, he’s outstanding. He can assist, score and run in behind. He’s brave, quick, very balanced and takes the ball.”
The pursuit of Mantilla exemplifies Liverpool’s strategic approach to nurturing young talent, a philosophy echoed by Brighton. Both clubs’ interest in this Colombian wonderkid underscores the global reach and influence of the Premier League, and Mantilla’s next move could well be a significant step in his promising career.
