Liverpool have confirmed their first permanent transfer of the January 2025 window, but it involves a departure rather than a new signing.
Pitaluga Returns to Fluminense
Reports in Brazil over the weekend suggested that Fluminense was in talks with Liverpool to acquire goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga, who had reportedly expressed a desire to return to his home country.
Those negotiations have now been finalized, with the Merseyside club officially announcing the transfer.
As confirmed on Liverpool’s official website, the 22-year-old has joined Fluminense on a permanent deal, pending international clearance.
Pitaluga, who originally joined Liverpool from the Brazilian club in 2020, leaves Anfield without making a competitive first-team appearance, despite being included in the senior matchday squad on seven occasions.
To facilitate the move, Pitaluga was recalled from his loan spell at Livingston, where he made two appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup. He also previously spent time on loan with Macclesfield Town and St Patrick’s Athletic.
No Breakthrough at Liverpool
Pitaluga faced stiff competition at Liverpool, with top-tier goalkeepers Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher firmly established, along with reliable third-choice Vitezslav Jaros and the anticipated arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer. Given the depth in that position, regular first-team opportunities for the young Brazilian seemed unlikely.
Although he never played a competitive game for Liverpool, Pitaluga earned praise from his compatriot Alisson, who described him as a “dedicated” and “really talented” goalkeeper. His lack of chances was more a reflection of Liverpool’s strength in depth rather than his own abilities.
Best Wishes for Pitaluga
While it’s unfortunate that Pitaluga couldn’t carve out a first-team role at Anfield, his return to Fluminense marks a fresh start with a club that recently won the 2023 Copa Libertadores. Liverpool fans will wish him success as he returns to his roots and looks to continue his career in Brazil.
