Liverpool's first January departure 'confirmed' by Fabrizio Romano as official documents signed

Liverpool are on the verge of completing their first piece of business in the January window, according to Fabrizio Romano, who suggests documents have been signed ahead of a move.

Amid talk around the future of full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, it appears Liverpool have been working hard to offload another player.

Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Marcelo Pitaluga has been on loan at Scottish Championship side Livingston following previous loan spells at Macclesfield and St Patrick's Athletic.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who joined Liverpool from Fluminense in October 2020 for an initial fee of £1 million, was rated highly after helping Brazil win the Under-17 World Cup.

But with talks at an advanced stage, it looks like Pitaluga will leave Anfield without making a single first-team appearance. He was an unused substitute on seven occasions during Jurgen Klopp’s spell in charge.

The Brazilian shot-stopper is expected to rejoin Fluminense after a frustrating period away from Anfield.

On Sunday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted an update regarding Pitaluga's future. "Liverpool and Fluminense signed all documents for GK Marcelo Pitaluga to return to Brazil," he wrote on X.

"Liverpool included 40% sell-on clause, no transfer fee involved."

Back in October 2020, when he left the club, Pitaluga posted an emotional message to his social media pages after spending the majority of his youth career with the Rio de Janeiro-based club.

"Today I end my time at Fluminense," he wrote. "I spent almost 10 years at the club, starting in futsal, going through Xerem, until I reached the professional level. I always had all the support I needed, from fantastic people and professionals."

Pitaluga spent four years at Liverpool. Image credit: Getty

He added: "I am very grateful to my teammates and all the staff at the club, especially the goalkeeper coaches. Thank you for everything, Fluminense. I am very proud to have worn this shirt. And I will carry with me forever the three colors that represent tradition."

Thoughts on his departure? Let us know in the comments.