Liverpool are poised to restart discussions with Brazilian club Fluminense ahead of the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano emphasizing Jurgen Klopp’s eagerness to complete a deal for the €40 million-rated midfielder.
The Merseysiders spent the summer window overhauling their midfield, spending £145.2 million on four new players. While Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Waturu Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch will all provide their engine room a boost, it appears Klopp’s shopping spree is far from over.
Indeed, with six players leaving midfield during the summer, Klopp is still two players short. And, with speculations emerging that Thiago Alcatantara may be the next to depart, possibly as soon as this week, it’s no surprise that Liverpool is looking to add to their squad.
To that end, Liverpool’s interest in Fluminense star Andre, 22, is well documented. The Reds made an approach to recruit the former Brazil international over the summer, but were told that due to the Brazilian season still being in full flow, any deal was unfeasible at this time.
However, things will be very different come the summer transfer window, with Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt on the verge of authorizing a January departure for his player.
“The chief executive of Liverpool contacted me directly,” Bittencourt explained to Caua Tinoco. “And I told him, ‘My friend, I don’t sell players anymore, and I don’t deliver either.'” We can start negotiating now if you want to buy now to take in January, or we can wait until December and talk then.”
Fabrizio Romano believes Andre will still join Liverpool
With the Reds still looking for midfield reinforcements, Romano is certain that their chase of Andre is far from over. And he believes Klopp and his team will make a January bid for the star.
“It’s not over; it’s still something we have to keep an eye on because Liverpool really like Andre,” Roman stated on his podcast Here We Go. “They had good conversations with Fluminense and have good relationships.”
“Fluminense demonstrated their strength in the Brazilian and South American markets by stating, ‘no way the player is leaving,’ so credit to Fluminense.”
“It wasn’t easy, but I believe Liverpool will keep an eye on the player.” This is a unique player; he is not a typical player. Andre is a fantastic player.”
Fluminense wanted to keep Andre over the summer because of their continuous participation in the Copa Libertadores, and the choice appears to have paid off as the Brazilian team has advanced to the semi-finals, where they will meet domestic rivals Internacional in the last four.
The player’s contract now includes a €40 million (£34.4 million) departure clause, which means they will be powerless to stop the move if Liverpool activate it in January.
And because the clubs have solid relations and Liverpool did not act on their interest in the summer, his probable move to Merseyside will be sanctioned by the Brazilian side.