Liverpool are reportedly set to table a £15 million bid for Rennes midfielder Benjamin Andre as Jurgen Klopp aims to add depth to his squad.
According to French publication Le Telegramme, Liverpool are intent on reinforcing their midfield this summer and are already looking towards FC Stade Rennais midfielder Benjamin Andre as a potential addition. The Reds are reportedly set to table a £15 million bid for the newly appointed Rennes captain.
Benjamin Andre is a French midfielder who emanated from the AC Ajaccio academy setup and established himself as a regular at the club before joining Rennes in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer. And the low-profile Frenchman has since managed to come under the spotlight with his performances at his new home.
Liverpool to table £15m bid for Rennes midfielder Benjamin Andre.
( Src: Mirror ) #HalaFootball pic.twitter.com/cq3ASKvdHa— Hala Transfer News (@HalaTransfers) August 5, 2017
With the ability to play all across the midfield, Andre missed just two Ligue 1 fixtures last season and was one of the main pillars as Rennes finished inside the top half of the league. The player has just signed a new long-term deal that sees his contract extend up to 2022.
Manager Christian Gourcuff has handed the captain’s armband to Andre as well. But, if reports are to be believed, the player could be set to depart the club despite signing a new contract. Liverpool are keen on the player and with Lucas Leiva leaving the club along with rumours circling Emre Can, Andre has been touted as a potential replacement.
The 27-year-old is recognised for his calm playing style and tenacious ability, which could ideally prove to replace Lucas Leiva within the squad. Indeed, the Reds would be able to provide European football and quite possibly Champions League football, if Liverpool manage to overcome Hoffenheim.
Ok no credible links Benjamin André (Rennes – Ligue 1). Seems to sit deep, protect the CBs, read the game. Good additional CM signing #LFC pic.twitter.com/mGCcxu3ym5
— Jaytinho 1⃣0⃣ (@Jaytinho_10) August 4, 2017
It would be interesting to see if the Merseyside club do manage to land Andre, who has spent his entire footballing career up to the moment in France only. The 27-year-old could very well have mixed feelings.
While a move to the illustrious Premier League, let alone one of the most iconic clubs in the world in Liverpool beckons, he could have doubts over his own ability to adapt to a new league, especially with the player becoming the captain at Rennes.
Indeed, he would not have the same regular spot in the starting eleven at Liverpool and would have to climb the squad ladder all over again, a sizeable task at 27.