Andre Trindade, a target for Liverpool, is poised for a flawless finish to his Fluminense career after reaching the Copa Libertadores final.
The 22-year-old was a target over the summer as the Reds went about rebuilding their midfield. However, Fluminense ultimately decided against letting their number seven leave while the team was still in the running for a continental championship.
Although most of Europe’s football has a summer off-season, the South American calender is rather different, and Liverpool’s bid for Andre came right when they were pursuing the Brazilian season and, more importantly, the Copa Libertadores campaign.
South America’s version of the Champions League is called the Copa Libertadores, and Fluminense has never won it in their history.
However, when the Rio-club advanced gradually through the rounds, president Mario Bittencourt refused to consider letting a crucial player leave because it may jeopardise their chances of winning their first championship.
In a statement to ESPN Brazil last month, Bittencourt stated: “Liverpool’s Chief Executive [Billy Hogan] contacted me directly. I replied to him: ‘My friend, I don’t sell players now and I don’t deliver them now.
“If you want to buy now, and only get the player in January, we can start talking… Or if you want to wait until December, we can talk in December.”
After abandoning their chase of Andre, Liverpool signed Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo to close the transfer window. There are still issues with the Reds’ lack of defensively minded midfielders, though.
While it is anticipated that Fluminense would sell the Brazil international once the Copa Libertadores tournament is over and the transfer season reopens, Anfield Watch has revealed that Andre is still hopeful for a Liverpool move in the January transfer window.
The final then might be Andre’s memorable farewell as a Flu player.
WHAT TIME DOES THE COPA LIBERTADORES END?
Andre’s Fluminense secured a meeting with Argentine powerhouses Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final after defeating another Brazilian team Internacional over two legs in the semi finals earlier this month.
The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, at Rio’s renowned Maracan Stadium, which also serves as Fluminense’s home field.
LIVERPOOL, WILL THEY SIGN ANDRE?
That is the big question.
Plans must already be being made by Liverpool’s recruitment managers with the January transfer market still more than 11 weeks away.
While Anfield Watch is aware that improving the defence will take precedence in 2024, a move for Andre shouldn’t be ruled out.
Alexis Mac Allister has spent the majority of the current season as Liverpool’s deepest-lying midfielder, despite the fact that the World Cup champion is not naturally suited for the position.
Andre might be an appealing option because Thiago is still ailing and is expected to go on a free transfer next summer, leaving room in the team for another centre midfielder.
The 22-year-old, who is already a full Brazil international, was valued at roughly £25 million over the summer. This fee would constitute a record sale for Fluminense but a potential steal for a team like Liverpool.
Additionally, teams like Fulham and West Ham have been mentioned in connection.