Selton Sánchez Shines in Debut Week for Athletic Club, Ties to Firmino

Could Liverpool be scouting him?

Selton Sued Sánchez Camilo, known as Selton Sánchez, is already making waves in his football career. The 18-year-old playmaker recently made his Athletic Club debut in the Champions League against Newcastle United (0-2) on November 5 and later started in the LaLiga match against Real Oviedo (1-0) at the San Mamés. Athletic Club, known for nurturing homegrown talent, has seen a variety of promising players, but Sánchez’s background adds an intriguing dimension to his story. He hails from a Basque father and a Brazilian mother, and he is a cousin to former Liverpool star and current Al-Sadd player Roberto Firmino.

The familial connection to Firmino has grabbed the attention of the popular blog Anfield Watch, which speculated on the possibility of the young Spanish U19 national team player joining Liverpool. His profile aligns with the type of talent that Reds manager Arne Slot seems to be pursuing. However, whether Liverpool has genuine interest in Sánchez remains unconfirmed. It’s no secret that top European clubs are always on the lookout for emerging talents from the major leagues, and Sánchez’s remarkable “Rabona” assist against Oviedo has certainly amplified his visibility on social media.

In Bilbao, where he is contracted until 2029, Sánchez is viewed as a potential star. Initially, the plan was for him to develop with the feeder team CD Basconia in the fourth division while captaining the U19 side in the UEFA Youth League. Recently, he made headlines when he helped Athletic secure a 4-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund by scoring one goal and providing two assists. His impressive performances must have accelerated Athletic’s plans, as he was quickly integrated into Ernesto Valverde’s squad this month.

“A player of excellent quality” – Valverde on Sánchez

“Selton is a player of excellent quality and immense self-confidence. He isn’t afraid of hard work and is always pushing forward,” said former Barcelona coach Valverde after a recent victory, as reported by Spanish outlet Sport. “The expectations on him are high. At just 18, he needs to build his physical strength. But this is a crucial step for him.” Sánchez himself has acknowledged the need for continued growth, expressing humility regarding his current fitness but gratitude for the fans’ support: “You have to repay that affection on the pitch. I know my family shed tears of joy.”

With his remarkable vision and technical skills, Sánchez is an exceptionally gifted player capable of both creating opportunities and finding the back of the net, much like his illustrious cousin. He has a knack for putting pressure on opponents and generating chances. His first coach, Luis Francisco Lorenzo, praised Sánchez in an interview with Sport: “The way he touches and receives the ball, his movements—they reveal he was destined for this. He stands out even among older players which is why Athletic pursued him; he displayed class from a young age.”

This rapid ascent from the fourth division to the Champions League speaks volumes about Sánchez’s potential. If he continues to feature regularly under Valverde, the buzz surrounding him—and any Liverpool-related rumors—are likely to grow. It will also be intriguing to monitor the evolution of his market value, with updates scheduled for LaLiga on December 12 and for the lower divisions on December 30. Sánchez’s progress in the upcoming weeks will determine whether he is part of the first or second update.