With the season fast approaching and the Singapore camp of pre-season concluding in a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich today, Liverpool are yet to add a recognised senior defensive midfielder to their squad. The departure of Fabinho has intensified the need for Klopp to add new signings before the end of the window.
Early this week, the German claimed in a press conference they were looking for “solutions”. One solution may be Brazilian and Fluminense ace, Andre. The 22-year-old has caught the eye of many admirers this season and looks set to make the next step in his career.
After a second bid for Romeo Lavia was rejected, stories led by Sky Sports reporter, Melissa Reddy, suggested that Liverpool have made contact with Fluminense and that he is keen to make the switch to Anfield.
However, with the South American leagues only halfway through their season and their transfer window closing before Europe’s, a deal may become difficult.
On this episode of Transfer Insight, Dan Clubbe spoke with South American expert, Nathan Joyes. The Copa Club reporter spoke on the likelihood of a summer switch to Anfield.
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Nathan said: “He is likely to see out the season. He has a good relationship with Fernando Diniz who has also just become the Brazilian interim manager and Andre has only recently made his debut for them. He is going to be working with him at Fluminense and Brazil and that’s a way to develop his game and there is an understanding and respect there.
“I can see Liverpool because of the amount of departures you have had. The way to go out about this is to look at what Klopp did with Fabinho, yes Fabinho was already playing in Europe, but he nurtured him into the squad.
“I don’t think the timing is there. Fluminense can sell but I don’t think they could buy as of next week. Can they get a replacement in, I think it would take an awful lot for Andre to walk away as a person. I think he will stay loyal. Diniz has given him the opportunity at a national level as well. Six months in football isn’t necessarily a long time.
“He is worth the wait, so if you were to sign him in January, I think you would make a lot of clubs really jealous.”
Fluminense’s Andre ‘Wants To Sign’ For Liverpool!
Redmen Reacts
This is a signing that makes complete sense from a Liverpool perspective. He has an affordable price tag and if a deal can be struck to bring the Brazilian to L4 in January, there is still room to make a move for Romeo Lavia.
The South American market has produced world-class talents for years. Real Madrid have continuously used this market to find hidden gems. Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jnr are just a few names on a long list. More recently, Brighton have adopted this approach. Alexis Mac Allister is a South American product. For a club that likes to make sensible and smart transfer deals, this market is a perfect place to find future and current stars, saving millions in the future.
