Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Brazilian midfielder Andre, with the Reds leading the race to sign him.
Liverpool tried to sign Andre during the summer transfer window, but a move did not materialise. Journalist Graeme Bailey has now revealed on the Talking Transfers Podcast that the Reds are definitely leading the race for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
Liverpool need to bring in a quality defensive midfielder who will help protect the central defenders and break up the opposition attacks. Jurgen Klopp has had to use Alexis Mac Allister in the holding midfield role this season. But the Argentine international is more suited to the role of a midfield controller.
Signing a specialist defensive midfielder would allow Mac Allister to operate with more freedom and he will be able to showcase his true qualities. Andre has thus emerged as a viable target for Liverpool once again.
Liverpool did well to sign top-class players like Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai this past summer. Signing a top-class defensive midfielder should be a priority for them now. They tried to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Ecuador international decided to join Chelsea instead.
Andre is thought to be keen on a move to Liverpool, and it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a deal. Liverpool were willing to sign him in the summer, but Fluminense wanted to hold on to him until the January transfer window so that he could help them win the Copa Libertadores.
Fluminense have already made it to the final of the competition, where they will take on Boca Juniors in November. Andre will be hoping to help them win a major trophy before he embarks on a new journey.
Moving to Liverpool would certainly be an attractive option for him, and it would be an exciting step up in his career. He will look to prove his quality in the Premier League with a move to Anfield, and it could help him cement his place in the national team as well.
Working under a manager like Klopp could help him develop further and fulfil his world-class potential. If Liverpool manage to sign him for a reasonable price in January, it can galvanise their season during the second half of the campaign. So, the move could also look like a bargain in the long run.
The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder is an excellent reader of the game, and he will help Liverpool defensively with his ability to intercept moves and win the ball back with well-timed tackles. Liverpool certainly have the financial resources to convince Fluminense to sell the player, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
