Liverpool’s recent Luis Díaz transfer, as well as a new £250m investment, is paving the way for a new market that FSG seem increasingly likely to tap.
Since new regulations came into effect following Brexit, the South American market has become more accessible than ever, paving the way for British clubs to tap into its riches.
Previously, work permits were more difficult to acquire for players from the South American continent, but the new points-based system introduced last year has made work-permits more attainable for South Americans who are playing regularly in continental competitions or for their international teams.
Last January, Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo’s transfer to Brighton was one of the first examples of such a move. Manchester City have followed that up by bringing Brazilian Kayky to the club over the summer. Meanwhile, Man City and Manchester United are both pursuing a transfer for Julián Álvarez from Argentina.
None of these moves would have been possible in the past. But Brexit is undoubtedly opening up a new frontier.
Liverpool are yet to tap this rich vein, though the club’s transfer for Colombian Luis Díaz could indicate FSG are moving in that direction.
Díaz would not have had too many issues acquiring a work permit prior to Brexit, but he more than qualifies under the current post-Brexit 15-point system too.
As Liverpool’s second Colombian signing following Anderson Arroyo, Díaz could make history by becoming the first to play a game for the club, and he will be the fifth South American player in the club’s current first team squad. Liverpool have only had more South Americans registered to the club’s first team in one season during the club’s entire history, when six South Americans were at Liverpool during the 2011/12 campaign.
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