The focus of Liverpool talk is on the transfer of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, with Jurgen Klopp’s side poised to make a second bid for the Belgian international this week, but there may be opportunity for another midfield acquisition after a turbulent window so far.
The Reds knew they’d lose a large chunk of their midfield, with James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving in June after their contracts expired, but stability was jeopardized when Saudi Arabian clubs emerged as suitors for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who join the aforementioned trio in leaving Anfield.
Moves have been made to improve on last season’s options, and Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai appear to be excellent purchases for the Merseyside club, but even if the deal to sign Lavia, aged 19, goes through, some may believe that another defensive midfielder is required to truly restore the balance.
Who will join Liverpool this summer?
According to writer Bruno Andrade – via Sport Witness – Fluminense ace Andre’s agent Jorge Mendes is currently ‘in the process’ of relocating the 22-year-old to England, and Liverpool are reported to be in the driving seat, despite rival interest from Fulham.
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A fee of €20 million (£17 million) might be enough to lure Andre away from his birthplace, with Klopp hoping to complete a transfer this summer.
Andre, how good is he?
Andre has created quite a reputation for himself in Brazil and is a vital element of Fluminense’s system, regarded as a “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who are now fourth in the Série A.
According to Sofascore, the gem has a match rating of 7.09 after 14 games this season, completing 94% of his passes, averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions a game, and winning 71% of his dribbles and 62% of his duels.
FBref ranks him among the top 1% of midfielders in Men’s Next Eight divisions for pass completion and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90. As such, he might be the ideal player to bolster Liverpool’s midfield and guarantee that Lavia is not burdened with too much responsibility.
With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new hybrid role allowing him to play in midfield and unleash his inventiveness and exceptional ball-playing abilities, an industrious and composed figure like Andre might pay dividends.
The England international was chastised for his defensive blunders last season as Liverpool struggled for any kind of form and flow, even being referred to as a “training dummy” by reporter Casey Evans after being thrashed by the fleet-footed Vinicius Jr. in the Champions League.
Klopp’s tactical change saw Alexander-Arnold go in-field, playing in a double-six, and Andre might be the ideal partner to allow him to show off his flair.
Indeed, the 24-year-old was a key figure in Liverpool’s late-season comeback, and commentator Martin Tyler dubbed him “sensational” after contributing eight goals in the final ten league games of the season.
It would be a wise purchase, and if Liverpool can afford to part with the rumoured £17 million, they must do so in order to chart a successful course.
