Liverpool explore partnership with Uruguay side Nacional
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has revealed the club are looking to tap into the talent emerging from Uruguay with two internationals from the South American country now at the club.
The arrival of 20-year-old Sebastian Coates late last month to link up with countryman Luis Suarez has opened a door to the Copa America winners for the Reds.
Coates was signed directly from Nacional while Suarez came from the same club via Dutch side Ajax.
And according to Comolli, Liverpool are now looking to establish a more formal relationship with the most successful club in Uruguay on the back of the Coates deal.
"I've got to thank the people from Nacional, the directors and their chairman, because they have been very helpful," said the Frenchman on liverpoolfc.tv.
"They tried to help the player complete his will, which was to come here.
"They tried to find a solution for us to make it happen. We now have strong links with them because both Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates have come from this club and been developed by their academy.
"We are talking about a partnership with them that we would like to create over the next three, four or five years, to see if there is more talent coming through.
"Maybe we can help them to develop their standards and in turn have the ability to bring those young players here.
"During the Copa America they had 14 players out of the 23 who had at some point played at Nacional or were developed by Nacional. That is a fantastic record for their academy."
Comolli added: "It is very interesting for us. "We already have a strong link with South America through Lucas (Leiva), Maxi (Rodriguez) and Luis.
"Since it's been such a success with Luis - and I'm sure it will be for Sebastian - why don't we try to make it an even bigger success by bringing in other players from Nacional?"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments