It has been claimed that although interest in Fluminense midfielder Andre has led to a £25million offer, Liverpool will not return in January.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Liverpool had turned down a bid worth around £25m for Brazilian midfielder Andre.
The package, which would have clearly broken Fluminense’s transfer record, was turned down even before there was a formal offer from Anfield.
It was then suggested that the Reds would have to wait until January before reigniting their interest in the 22-year-old.It would come at the end of the season in Brazil as Fluminense are reportedly keen to keep Andre as they strive to win the Copa Libertadores. However, ESPN Brasil report that Liverpool ‘will not return for No.7’ in the winter transfer window and will instead ‘look for a new name to sign’.
Whether or not this is an attempt to test Fluminense’s resolve remains to be seen as Andre has a release clause in his €40m contract.
This means a £34m bid would force Fluminense to allow their player to enter negotiations with Liverpool for an immediate transfer.
However, it personal terms have already been agreed with Andre are far from true. This suggests there is no guarantee Andre will join Liverpool at this stage of the season, as the Copa Libertadores is effectively the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
Fluminense are in the quarter-finals of the competition, which they have never won. Next up is a home-and-away encounter against Paraguayan outfit Club Olimpia. Lifting the trophy with his youth club would be a great end for André and Lance!
He explained that it is expected to then be sold in January at a lower price.
This makes Liverpool’s situation interesting as it would make sense for the club to hold out until mid-season. While there would be benefits to adding Andre to the squad at this stage, he’s unlikely to start as a first-choice starter.
The Brazil international isn’t a specialist defensive midfielder but is seen as closer to Thiago with a more combative touch and Wataru Endo is therefore the likeliest option at No.6.Fluminense could of course still be knocked out of the Copa Libertadores before the English transfer deadline, as the second leg against Olimpia starts at 1.30am UK time and the window closes at 11pm.
