Fluminense midfielder Andre confirmed turning down an offer from Liverpool during the summer owing to a commitment made to his manager.
European clubs have often found it difficult to bring in South American players during the summer window, especially those from the big sides. The big reason for this is the Copa Libertadores, and its importance remains highly valued even to this day.
With the South American season typically ending before the January window, it becomes much easier to conduct moves around then. Liverpool learnt it the hard way during the summer with their pursuit of Fluminense midfielder Andre.
While most reports insisted Fluminense rejected bids for the 22-year-old, Andre has now revealed he turned down offers in favour of staying at the club. He also reiterated a commitment made to head coach Fernando Diniz, as he will play a part in the Copa Libertadores Final.
His comments appeared on 90 Min, as the midfielder managed to clarify his decision to reject a big bid from an overseas club. Liverpool may well be this club that the 22-year-old rejected, with the Merseysiders likely to return with their interest ahead of January. Fluminense are open to offers after their season ends, and the Reds will likely make another big attempt.
Andre said, “In this past window, I didn’t talk about it; the first time I’m going to talk in more depth will be now. “It really was an irrefutable proposal from the club that plays in a big league.”
“I think every player one day dreams of playing for a big club in Europe, in a big league. But I decided to keep my word because when the January window closed, Diniz [Fluminense manager] arrived and told me that he wanted me here until the end of the year. We didn’t know that a proposal of that amount would arrive and I told him that, regardless of what happened, I would be there until the end of the season.”
“It ended up passing and arriving in the middle of the year, we were still in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. It was a very difficult decision to make. If I had accepted this proposal, I don’t know if I would have felt 100% comfortable because I had already agreed with Diniz.
“He really values his word, his honesty. I know that when we do the right things, good things always happen. And in January he told me that without a doubt, if I stayed I would gamble and my value would increase.”
Back in the summer, Liverpool may have had a free run at Andre, and now they are keen to find an agreement well before the January window opens. Jurgen Klopp remains interested in bringing the Fluminense star to Anfield, but things have changed.
Arsenal and Newcastle United are also keen on Andre, as they could open up a transfer battle for the 22-year-old midfielder. Liverpool will remain confident about cracking a deal owing to their groundwork over in the summer.
However, this time around, especially if Fluminense manages to win the Copa Libertadores, they could demand a fee much closer to Andre’s reported €40 million release clause. Overall, the club and the player’s decision to stay put may have some benefit after all, with clubs from abroad may have to pay more.
