Reports have surfaced indicating that Liverpool had previously reached a verbal agreement with Fluminense midfielder Andre. However, the situation has taken a turn as Manchester United has now entered the scene, expressing interest in the Brazilian player.
Football Transfers suggests that Old Trafford is looking to bolster its defensive midfield options amid concerns about Casemiro potentially departing next year, despite only joining the club last summer.
The former Real Madrid midfielder is rumored to be considering a move to the Saudi Pro League. Interestingly, both Liverpool and United are contemplating replacing one Brazilian defensive midfielder with another.
Liverpool supporters are eagerly awaiting news of a replacement for Fabinho, who recently made a move to Saudi Arabia. According to Football Transfers, Liverpool has informed Fluminense that they are exploring alternative options.
Amidst the ongoing updates about Andre’s potential transfer, conflicting reports have emerged. While one Brazilian reporter suggests that Liverpool is still in the running, Fulham is currently considered the frontrunner for Andre’s signature.
However, Liverpool could outbid Fulham with a £35 million (€40m) offer, including a 20% sell-on clause, as per Emmanuel Luiz.
Luiz states, “Andre really wanted Liverpool in the middle of the year, it remains really clear, Andre wants Liverpool, but what Fulham did, they said to Fluminense, he has a £40m release clause, what we want to do as Fulham is to pay the release clause and have some sort of add-on clause, Andre wants Liverpool, but what I think will happen is that if Liverpool come with £35m for him and a 20% clause, they will sell to Liverpool.”
The competition for Andre has escalated after his impressive performances in Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores triumph. Notably, during the final against Boca Juniors, Andre showcased his prowess with 93 touches, a 95% pass completion rate, seven ground duel wins, four tackles, and one interception.
As the January transfer window approaches, the need for a defensive midfielder at Anfield is evident for Liverpool. The addition of a top-notch no.6 is considered crucial to strengthen their title challenge against rivals such as Manchester City, Spurs, and Arsenal. Failure to secure such a signing could potentially expose Alexis Mac Allister in the no.6 role.
