Following a dismal performance last season, Liverpool has been focusing on rebuilding their midfield this summer. Now, a fresh report on a potential transfer target has surfaced.
How far has Liverpool’s interest in Andre Trindade progressed?
Andre Trindade, commonly known as André, a midfielder for Fluminense, has reportedly been approached by a number of clubs, including Liverpool, according to 90min.
According to the report, Fulham is pushing to sign the player this summer, but Andre’s representatives have also contacted Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. The Brazilian club is seeking a transfer fee of £25 million to let their player go.
Who is André, exactly?
The 21-year-old has been honing his skills at Fluminense, where he has progressed through the club’s junior system to become a standout player in the first squad with 141 club appearances already under his belt. Last month, he also made his Brazil national team debut.
André is a dynamic midfielder who has almost exclusively played the defensive position immediately in front of the back four. Jacek Kulig, a football talent scout, has referred to André as a “leader” due to his dominating performances in the deep-lying position.
Andre has made 11 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A, during which time he has completed 94% of his passes, completed 78% of his dribbles successfully, and won 65% of all aerial and ground duels. He has also averaged a staggering 87.9 touches, 68.8 accurate passes, and 2.4 tackles won per game, highlighting his enormous presence in the centre of the pitch.
James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all allowed to leave Liverpool this summer, and Jordan Henderson and Fabinho may well be on their way out thanks to offers from the Saudi Pro League, according to numerous reports this week.
According to The Athletic, the Reds are expecting a £40m offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad for their Brazilian mainstay which could be a tempting prospect for the club’s hierarchy who work on a ‘sell to buy’ recruitment policy, as they continue to eye potential new additions ahead of next season.
The acquisition of André might be a fantastic opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to add a worthy successor to Fabinho, giving him another young prospect for Liverpool’s future success who can be made into a winner and a household name at Anfield.
The younger player has outperformed his compatriot in a number of crucial defensive midfield characteristics per 90 minutes played, including progressive passes (5.60 v 5.34), progressive carries (1.83 v 0.55), successful take-ons (1.94 v 0.25) and interceptions (1.27 v 1.25).
However, if Liverpool were to accept a bid for their midfielder this summer, André would undoubtedly be a revelation at Anfield if he could maintain his strong Premier League play. It is still unclear whether Liverpool will be willing to let Fabinho go this summer.