Liverpool are interested in signing Fluminense midfielder Andre this summer, and latest rumors may have swung the odds in their favor.
According to Brazilian publication Globo, the Reds have been interested in the 22-year-old for several years after sending scouts to watch him in action in 2020.
The Brazilian club’s stance on Andre’s valuation is reported to be irreversible, with Sky Sports stating that the amount in dispute is in the region of £20 million.
Fluminense are also hesitant to lose the blossoming midfielder in the middle of the Brazilian Serie A season, but if Klopp pushes for an agreement, Liverpool may just get their man.
Andre, how good is he?
Liverpool’s present focus is on completing a deal for Southampton’s 19-year-old holding midfielder Romeo Lavia, albeit that chase is dragging on as the Saints remain firm in their £50 million valuation.
If the Reds are to fulfill their objectives this season, the remaining transfer transaction must be completed as soon as possible. Andre’s team is determined to keep him, but in football, money talks, and Klopp must now make a formal offer.
According to Sofascore, the tenacious midfielder has an average rating of 7.09 this season across 14 matches in the Brazilian top flight, completing 94% of his passes, averaging 0.9 key passes, 2.1 tackles, and 1.5 interceptions per game, and winning 63% of his contested ground duels.
Andre, who has already earned his first senior Brazil cap, is highly regarded, and the fact that he is a “leader” on the pitch, as praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could bring the type of personality Klopp seeks, especially after losing experienced duo Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabian sides this summer.
Andre, dubbed a “top-class roaming playmaker” by Kulig, might be the ideal replacement for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is valued at £100 million and is being pursued by Chelsea, but Liverpool are also interested.
Caicedo has been described as a “joy to watch” by journalist Josh Bunting. In the Premier League last season, he averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.08, completing 89% of his passes, making 2.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions a game, and winning 57% of his ground duels.
According to FBref, the Ecuadorian is also among the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, 13% for tackles, and 11% for interceptions per 90 minutes, demonstrating his ability as a first-class ball-player and tenacious defensive force.
Andre ranks 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, and with his own passing prowess and directness, he might certainly prove to be a future star to match Caicedo.
Liverpool does not appear to have the excessive means to pay Brighton what they demand for Caicedo, but considering the comparatively little price required to sign Andre, it absolutely must be completed before the start of the next Premier League season.
