Andre Trindade – The Empire of The Kop

Pundit suggests Mac Allister recently showed why 22y/o would be a perfect ‘fit’ for Liverpool

Liam Togher — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:36:51 +0000

One Brazilian pundit has suggested that Alexis Mac Allister recently showed why Andre Trindade would be a perfect ‘fit’ for Liverpool.

The Reds have been strongly linked with the Fluminense defensive midfielder in recent months, although reports in November have claimed that Fulham are now the front-runners for the 22-year-old.

However, speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, commentator Bruno Formiga reckons that Andre would slot seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp’s side, in turn allowing the Argentine to play further forward at Anfield.

When asked if the Brazilian would be suited to Liverpool, the pundit replied: “I think, without a doubt. André, he is a guy who takes pressure very well. He gets off pressure very easily. He clears the field very easily. In the rotation, he gives options all the time and that, for what Klopp likes, to speed up the game often, I think he fits in an absurd way.

“Remember, Mac Allister plays this role at Liverpool. In the Argentina national team he will do something else. If you look at what he did against Brazil [in last week’s World Cup qualifier], it’s another movement, he’s in a more open midfield line to the left side than in a central lane.

“I think he did well in the game but I understand that it shouldn’t be Plan A for a team that already had other figures, playing this role with other characteristics. André, I don’t know if Liverpool will come back or try André again, but…

“The Club World Cup can make André worth even more. Imagine if Fluminense eventually beats Manchester City, playing well. But I think he has everything to fit into Klopp’s game model, a lot of things. I think he fits into several. I think he plays easily at City, not as a starter, but I think he fits in. I think he easily plays in Liverpool’s team.”

The debate as to Mac Allister’s long-term suitability in a number 6 role for Liverpool continues apace, with Klopp deploying the 24-year-old in that position for most of the season so far.

The 2022 World Cup winner is still waiting for his first Reds goal, which seems a surprise considering that he netted 12 times from midfield for Brighton last term (Transfermarkt).

He played on the left-hand side in Argentina’s win over Brazil last week, although that was in a 4-4-2 setup that we’re unlikely to see at Anfield any time soon.

Andre was one of the stars of Fluminense’s maiden Copa Libertadores triumph earlier this month, and Forminga’s reference to the Club World Cup just prior to Christmas is pertinent.

If the 22-year-old can inspire his side to become its first South American winners since 2012, either by beating Manchester City or the conquerors of Pep Guardiola’s side should they get to the final, his market value will surely soar going into the January transfer window.

Therefore, if Klopp agrees with Forminga’s belief that the midfielder would be a perfect fit for Liverpool, the Anfield hierarchy ought to spring into action before the tournament in Saudi Arabia next month.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Liverpool could repeat Diaz January transfer trick, the No.6 transfer conundrum, Man City review and much more!

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(Video) Liverpool-linked Andre defends superbly to deny Luis Diaz during Brazil’s clash with Colombia

Max Rudd — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:25:28 +0000

Colombia defeated Brazil 2-1 in the early hours of Friday morning and Liverpool fans will have been delighted to see Luis Diaz win the game for his country with a superb brace.

Although Alisson Becker was on the losing side, our No.1 can be pleased with how he performed with a number of impressive stops during the game.

Reds supporters will have also had half an eye on Liverpool-linked midfielder Andre.

The 22-year-old, who was a part of the Fluminense side that won the Copa Libertadores earlier this month, is believed to be on Jurgen Klopp’s radar as he continues his search for a deep-lying midfielder.

Fresh reports are now claiming the Anfield outfit have taken the lead in the race for the footballer’s signature, ahead of the likes of Fulham, Arsenal, Manchester United and other linked outfits.

Andre showed what he’s about last night during one moment in particular. He found himself in a rather difficult position as the only defender while Diaz attacked him at pace.

The dynamic midfielder positioned himself cleverly and got his body shape spot on in order to prevent our No. 7 with a superb sliding block.

It’ll be interesting to see whether we make our move in January – we’ll just have to wait and see!

Check his superb block below via @LFCTransferRoom on X:

André passing the @LFC test after taking on Luis Diaz pic.twitter.com/x0j5XGtvCr

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) November 17, 2023

EOTK FPL Gameweek 12 Review : Tsimikas benching frustration, Palmer bargain? Time to sell Heung-min Son?

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Journo explains how Jurgen Klopp can sign 22-y/o gem who ‘wants Liverpool’

Max Rudd — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:35:46 +0000

Liverpool have been long linked with a move for Brazilian midfielder Andre Trindade and with the 22-year-old picking up the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense last weekend it’s expected he will seek a move away from the club in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were reportedly interested in a move for him in the summer but our German tactician instead opted to sign Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Despite our four new midfielders, there remains concerns about our need for a top quality holding midfielder and this means Andre is still being linked with a move to Anfield.

Brazilian journalist Emmanuel Luiz has claimed the South American dynamo ‘wants Liverpool’ despite interest also coming from fellow Premier League outfit Fulham.

“So I’m going to be loud and clear for you guys,” Luiz told Redmen TV (via The Boot Room). “We already talked about £40m being the release clause. Fulham and Liverpool were in the race, Andre really wanted Liverpool in the middle of the year, it remains really clear, Andre wants Liverpool, but the most important thing right now, Andre wants Liverpool, but Fulham, and I confirmed this, I spoke to some guys at the club and they said that Andre will play for the club that makes the best offer to Fluminense.

“He wants Liverpool, and Liverpool wants to pay like £30m, but what Fulham did, they said to Fluminense, he has a £40m release clause, what we want to do as Fulham is to pay the release clause and have some sort of add-on clause, Andre wants Liverpool, but what I think will happen is that if Liverpool come with £35m for him and a 20% clause, they will sell to Liverpool.”

We’re pretty well stocked in the engine room at the moment but since arriving from Brighton in the summer Mac Allister has been forced to play out of position.

The Argentine international, who was pivotal to his nation’s success at the World Cup last year, is a player that likes to influence the game in an attacking sense.

Deploying him just in front of our midfield therefore limits him and we’re therefore yet to see the best of him.

Endo, who is a traditional defensive midfielder, has impressed when called upon by Klopp this term but at the age of 30 he’s not a long-term option for the club.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there are other top clubs in Europe keeping an eye on Andre so if we want to secure his services we need to be quick.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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‘In the next…’ – Fabrizio Romano drops timeline hint regarding Liverpool’s pursuit of Andre

Liam Togher — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 09:43:31 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a hint as to when there may be more clarity surrounding Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Andre Trindade.

The midfielder was part of the Fluminense team which won the club’s first Copa Libertadores title last weekend, and his emotional exchange with coach Fernando Diniz after the final whistle offered a strong hint of an imminent departure from the club.

The Reds had tried to sign the 22-year-old in the summer, but the Brazilian outfit persuaded him to stay put in their ultimately triumphant quest for continental glory (ESPN).

However, it seems very likely that he’ll be on the move in January, and Romano said that Liverpool and other suitors could have a clear picture of Andre’s ‘situation’ later this month.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, the Italian wrote: “Andre seemed to drop a hint over his future after winning the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense, and for sure he remains someone appreciated by Liverpool. As previously confirmed by the player, they wanted him in the summer, but then he and Fluminense decided together to reject the interest and wait a bit longer.

“The Brazilian midfielder remains on Liverpool’s list, but from what I’m hearing it’s not only Liverpool but other top clubs from Europe as well. There are several others trying to understand the conditions of the deal, how much Fluminense would want, so at the moment it’s evolving and I think in the next two or three weeks the situation will be more clear.

“Liverpool are still interested, but let’s see in the coming weeks what will be Fluminense’s price, and the feeling of the player, and if Liverpool really want to invest big money on this player, because I expect it could cost around €35-40m to sign him this January.”

It does seem only a matter of time before Andre confirms his exit from Fluminense, even with their domestic season still ongoing after the Copa Libertadores triumph.

If Romano’s mooted figure of €40m (£34.7m) proves accurate, that doesn’t seem excessive for a club with Liverpool’s budget and for a defensive midfield powerhouse who played a major part in his side winning South America’s equivalent of the UEFA Champions League.

With the likes of Arsenal also believed to be sniffing around for the 22-year-old, the Reds can’t let a direct Premier League rival steal in for the player at this stage, having laid bare their interest several months ago with their offer in the summer.

It could be late November by the time we get a clearer indication as to Andre’s future. In the meantime, Anfield chiefs must continue their charm offensive if they’re to keep ahead of the competition for the Brazilian midfielder.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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Andre’s comments about Jurgen Klopp could whip Liverpool fans into a frenzy of excitement

Liam Togher — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:44:15 +0000

While patiently waiting for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Luton Town to roll around, Liverpool fans may well be keeping a close eye on tonight’s Copa Libertadores final, and in particular Andre Trindade.

The midfielder, whose Fluminense team come up against Boca Juniors at the world-famous Maracana, has been hotly linked with a move to Anfield in the January transfer window.

The Reds had tried to sign him during the summer but were foiled by Fernando Diniz’s side, who wanted to keep him on board for their continental title charge (ESPN), a stance which has since been vindicated given their progression to the decider in Rio de Janeiro.

Andre was asked by AS (via Sport Witness) about Liverpool’s interest in him, and he spoke glowingly about Jurgen Klopp.

The 22-year-old responded: “I follow the away games a bit and I know that Klopp’s work is exceptional. Without a doubt, he is a great coach, very intelligent and successful. But right now, my coach is Diniz.”

Andre’s high praise of the Liverpool manager could potentially whip Kopites into a frenzy, amid the spate of transfer rumours indicating that a move to Anfield seems increasingly likely for the midfielder.

Reliable reporter Graeme Bailey told the Fully Loaded Transfer Show (via The Boot Room) this week that the 22-year-old will ‘probably’ end up signing for the Reds in the winter, and he could leave with Fluminense’s blessing if he helps them to a maiden Copa Libertadores crown tonight.

Liverpool have tended to get it right more often than not in the January market, with Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all among the list of mid-season recruits who’ve gone on to excel on Merseyside.

Even with Andre citing his commitment to his current employers for now, his comments about Klopp could well be music to the ears of the subject of those words, as well as the Anfield powerbrokers who’ve been trying to secure the midfielder’s services.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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Not just Andre: Liverpool ‘following’ another Brazilian gem; club have prepared for future sale

Liam Togher — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:01:17 +0000

Liverpool’s interest in Andre Trindade is common knowledge by now, but the Fluminense colossus isn’t the only Brazilian midfielder who’s on the radar at Anfield.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are among several ‘top’ European clubs who’ve been ‘following’ Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme for a ‘long time’.

The 17-year-old recently signed a new contract with his current employers which runs to 2026 and contains a €55m (£47.7m) release clause, although it is the Sao Paulo club’s ‘strategy’ to ‘prepare [for a] future sale’.

Official, confirmed. Luiz Guilherme signs new long term deal until 2026 as €55m release clause is included.

Bayern, Liverpool, Chelsea and more European top clubs have been following Luiz for long time https://t.co/xJNBx2mZPK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 2, 2023

The attacking midfielder – who turns 18 next February – has already made 26 senior appearances for Palmeiras, albeit mostly as a substitute (Transfermarkt).

Guilherme is renowned for his searing pace, having clocked a speed of 36.4km per hour during an under-17 cup final last year (Globo Esporte), while he was recently included in The Guardian‘s ‘Next Generation’ list of 60 top youngsters to watch.

His club’s youth director João Paulo Sampaio described how the teenager left opponents ‘scared’ during a tournament in which he scored more than 40 goals, also dubbing him ‘a very special player’ (The Guardian).

His contract extension at Palmeiras isn’t so much a renewed commitment as an acknowledgement that he will be sold and that it’s their priority to extract as big a fee as possible from his eventual departure.

If Liverpool were to win the race for his signature, he could either be a squad player given game-time in domestic cups, or possibly loaned out for a season or two to gain experience at senior level in a competitive European league.

We can only wait and see if the Reds take their reported interest much further in the coming weeks and months, but Guilherme certainly looks like a hugely exciting prospect who’s worth keeping an eye on.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano shares what 22y/o said about turning down Liverpool’s summer offer

Liam Togher — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:26:01 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has shared quotes from Andre Trindade which explain why the midfielder turned down an offer to join Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

As per ESPN Brasil, the Reds submitted a bid worth €30m (£26.2m) for the Fluminense star in August, but it was rejected by the Brazilian outfit as they didn’t want to sell him in the middle of their season, which unlike in England runs on a calendar year basis.

The 22-year-old also came to the conclusion that he felt it was best to stay put for the remainder of 2023 at least, despite admitting that he ‘dreams’ of playing for someone like LFC.

Taking to social media on Saturday night, Romano shared these comments from Andre on Liverpool’s summer offer: “It was just something I couldn’t refuse, the club, the league… Every player dreams of playing at such a club. I decided to keep my word and stay. If I’ve accepted that offer, I’d not feel 100% comfortable with myself.”

Fluminense’s André on Liverpool bid in August: “It was just something I couldn't refuse, the club, the league…”.

“Every player dreams of playing at such a club. I decided to keep my word and stay”.

“If I've accepted that offer, I’d not feel 100% comfortable with myself”. pic.twitter.com/o2ni6eFzKi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2023

Many South America-based players would jump at the opportunity to get their big break in Europe, especially at the age of 22 when they’re no longer a starry-eyed prospect still looking to establish themselves at senior level.

Andre has already played 160 times for Fluminense and won two Brazil caps (Transfermarkt), so it would’ve been understandable if he felt that the time was right in the summer for him to accept Liverpool’s advances.

However, he might’ve felt a duty to remain with his current side while they were still involved in the Copa Libertadores, a tournament they could win for the first time in their history when they play Boca Juniors in the final next Saturday.

In addition to a commendable loyalty, it also shows a tremendous maturity from the midfielder that he didn’t jump ship to Europe when he felt that he wouldn’t be ‘comfortable’ with doing so, as well as a confidence that it mightn’t be his one and only chance of getting a transatlantic move.

Liverpool still seem confident of winning the race for Andre’s signature next year (Football Insider). If he can inspire them to a historic continental triumph next weekend, he may well feel that it’s the right moment to depart, and that he could then do so with his grateful club’s blessing.

#Ep94 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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‘The potential to happen…’ – Transfer insider talks up Liverpool’s chances of one January swoop

Liam Togher — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:36:50 +0000

Dean Jones has said that one ongoing Liverpool transfer rumour has clear ‘potential to happen’ in 2024.

The Reds have been linked with Andre Trindade for several months and had even submitted a bid of around €25m (£21.8m) in August (ESPN), only for Fluminense to reject it as they wanted to keep him for their tilt at Copa Libertadores glory, which has taken them all the way to the final.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist believes that Jurgen Klopp is still ‘missing’ a truly reliable presence at the base of midfield, adding that the 22-year-old is a player for whom LFC are ‘definitely’ considering a move.

Jones said: “Andre is definitely still one of the guys that they are tempted to sign. He has been looked at by various clubs, and this Brazilian market is clearly one that a lot of English sides are tapping into at the moment. This is a genuine link and a transfer that does have the potential to happen.”

Despite Wataru Endo joining in mid-August, Klopp has gone with Alexis Mac Allister in the number 6 role for almost every game so far this season, a ploy which has been questioned by some pundits who feel that the Argentine isn’t entirely suited to that position.

Liverpool still seem too easy to play through at times, even if the midfield as a whole is far more energetic than what it had been for almost all of 2022/23, so it’s understandable why the Reds continue to be linked with the likes of Andre.

Anfield chiefs reportedly remain ‘optimistic‘ about seeing off Arsenal’s apparent interest in the Fluminense anchor, who was his team’s second-highest rated performer by Sofascore in their 1-0 defeat to Red Bull Bragantino at the weekend.

If he can help his club to defeat Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final next month and win the trophy for the first time, he might then get their blessing to land his lucrative move to Europe, and ideally to Merseyside.

Just as patience eventually paid off in the pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool’s persistent interest in the Brazilian could ultimately see them get their man in January.

#Ep94 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Liverpool confident they’ll beat top 4 rivals to 22y/o target with ‘a great mentality’ – report

Liam Togher — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:47:36 +0000

Liverpool are reportedly confident of seeing off one of their fellow Premier League title contenders for a mutual transfer target.

According to Football Insider, ‘a well-placed source’ has indicated that the Reds ‘remain optimistic’ about winning the race to sign Andre Trindade, despite Arsenal muscling in to register their interest in the Fluminense midfielder.

The Gunners’ entrance into the mix for the 22-year-old is believed to have ’caused concern’ at Anfield, although LFC’s determination to get their man had already been made clear in the form of multiple unsuccessful offers during the summer.

The Emirates Stadium may be an attractive destination for Andre for several reasons, with Arsenal thriving under Mikel Arteta, plenty of fellow Brazilians already in the squad and the club’s location in London.

However, it speaks to Liverpool’s standing that, despite us finishing 17 points behind the Gunners last season and missing out on Champions League football, there’s still an optimism within Anfield that the 22-year-old will choose us over the capital outfit.

Fabrizio Romano was effusive in his praise of the Fluminense colossus in recent days, describing him as ‘very talented’ and saying that he boasts ‘a great mentality’.

Andre plays primarily as a defensive midfielder, the area of the pitch which has perhaps caused the most concern despite the Reds’ strong start to the campaign.

Alexis Mac Allister has largely been deployed there despite the threat he’d offer if playing further forward, while specialist number 6 Wataru Endo has only been entrusted to start one Premier League game since his arrival in August.

Arsenal triumphed in the chase for Declan Rice’s signature despite Liverpool’s apparent long-time interest in the England international, but we may have the perfect chance to exact revenge by hopefully beating the Gunners to the signing of the 22-year-old, who could well be a Copa Libertadores winner by then.

There’ll be plenty of eyes on the final of that tournament on 4 November as his Fluminense side take on Boca Juniors.

#Ep94 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Fabrizio Romano says two Liverpool-linked midfielders are ‘ready for the next step’

Liam Togher — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:26:04 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has said that two midfielders who’ve been linked with Liverpool are now ‘ready for the next step’ in their respective careers.

The Reds continue to admire Florentino Luis of Benfica (Graeme Bailey) and have also been strongly interested in Fluminense’s Andre Trindade, for whom they’re believed to be in ‘pole position’ (Pete O’Rourke).

In his latest Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, the Italian addressed where things stand with both players regarding the possibility of a move to Anfield in 2024.

Romano said: “Firstly, we’re seeing Florentino Luis’ name coming up a lot. Some fans have been asking me about links with Liverpool, and also with Manchester United, but I’m afraid I’m not aware of anything concrete at this stage. We had those links also in the summer but nothing concrete happened.

“The only club trying to sign Luis in July was Nottingham Forest but Benfica rejected every approach. Still, I personally believe he’s absolutely ready to make the next step in his career, he’s a very good player.

“Another name coming up with Liverpool is talented young Fluminense midfielder Andre. I think he could have a chance to move in 2024, but we will see what happens in terms of negotiation with Fluminense – it won’t be easy as they are always strong in negotiations. But Andre is absolutely ready for the next step – he’s very talented, and has a great mentality.”

Both players would be fantastic additions at the base of Liverpool’s midfield if they were to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Florentino has proven to be a powerfully combative and technically brilliant cog in the Benfica machine, as illustrated by stats from FBref profiling the last 12 months of his career.

The 24-year-old ranks among the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for tackles (3.94) and interceptions (2.64) per game, with his pass completion rate of 89.1% placing him in the 96th percentile for that metric among his positional peers.

Meanwhile, Andre has been one of the starts of Fluminense’s run to the Copa Libertadores final, recording their second-best passing average (93%) while winning far more tackles (24) and making more blocks (20) than anyone in their squad during that campaign, as per FBref.

Of those two players, the latter seems the more likely acquisition for Liverpool given that they appear to be further along the tracks for him than Florentino.

If the Reds were to get either of them through the door next year, it’d complete their seismic midfield rebuild since the end of last season and, once and for all, give them that dominant presence in the number 6 position.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre transfer latest, Liverpool & Bayern’s tug-of-war over Max Eberl, what could have been with Manu Kone and much more!

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Editor’s Column: Analysing the potential Andre Trindade to Liverpool deal

Jordan Chamberlain — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:51:48 +0000

It is a pretty open secret that Liverpool have a big interest in Fluminense midfielder André Trindade.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the best players in South America and has starred in his team’s run to to the Copa Libertadores Final, which takes place on November 4th against Boca Juniors.

Back in the summer, Fluminense director Mario Bittencourt confirmed Liverpool made contact for the diminutive anchorman but that nothing would happen until January due to his team’s participation in the tournament.

“Liverpool’s executive director contacted me directly. And I replied to him: ‘My friend, I don’t sell players now and I don’t deliver now’,” Mario Bittencourt told ESPN, via O Globo.

“[I told him]: ‘If you want to buy him now to take him in January, we can start talking, or if you want to wait until December, we’ll talk in December’.”

January is fast coming around though and if the Reds are serious about the potential signing, the wheels will already be in motion.

What are the rumours?

There’s plenty from pretty reliable sources. BBC Sport journalist Tim Vickery said before the Copa Libertadores semi-final that, “Liverpool fans will be wanting to watch the central midfielder Andre, who is almost certainly, I think, on his way there.”

Transfer journalist Graham Bailey says Liverpool are very much still keen on Andre, while respected correspondent Neil Jones told told EOTK exclusively that, “There’s obviously a great feeling in Brazil that the player [Andre] is ready to leave Brazil…”

“It would be a massive statement for Liverpool to do that. I don’t know what it would say about Wataru Endo…”

There is however late interest from Arsenal according to Brazilian reporter Thiago Ferreira, so Liverpool might face a fight on our hands to get him, especially considering their sporting director is former Brazil midfielder Edu and they have proven a financial strength in the transfer market recently.

What kind of player is Andre?

A very capable one. Andre is primarily a buildup player. He takes the ball from either the goalkeeper or his centre-backs and slowly moves his team up the pitch. Andre can dribble, play off one-touch and beat opponents on the half-turn.

On the ball he’s not dissimilar to Alexis Mac Allister, who has been playing as Liverpool’s no.6 this season. But off it, Andre is more naturally robust and is producing very good numbers for tackles and interceptions. Mac Allister has given the ball away too often in our deep-lying position because of his naturally more creative attributes, while Andre has a very high-pass percentage. He rarely takes risks with his passing, although he does occasionally break the lines and switch play.

You can see some of his best bits from the season below, although as always compilations don’t ever truly describe a player.

If Liverpool sign Andre he could end up a fantastic bargain

Massive massive potential pic.twitter.com/8myXRNN1Vt

— Vision (@Lfc__vision) October 12, 2023

What role would he have at Liverpool?

Probably as Thiago’s replacement. The Spaniard is a magician, but he’s 32-years-old and his very expensive contract expires at the end of this season.

More importantly, he’s seemingly always injured and has now been out for six months and counting with a hip problem. We’d all love a healthier, younger Thiago – and the thought of him pulling strings with Trent Alexander-Arnold in a double-pivot is mouthwatering – but not consistently realistic.

Andre is a decade younger than Thiago and has no history of injury problems. It has to be caveated though that the competitions he is currently playing in are a lot slower than the Premier League. He has more time on the ball and dribbling the ball out of defence and maintaining possession while being pressed is a much harder job in England. Andre lacks Thiago’s pizzazz and finesse on the ball but in truth, almost everyone does. His availability is a less exciting but more crucial attribute.

We saw against Brighton last time out that Jurgen Klopp was very keen on a slow, patient buildup from the back. This requires defensively-minded ball-players who can work triangles and eventually give the ball to more creative players further forward.

Andre ticks those boxes and given Mac Allister’s struggles at no.6, Stefan Bajcetic’s age and the fact Klopp doesn’t seem to trust Endo yet, we might need another option in this role.

Will it happen?

Liverpool have been pretty good at getting deals done in January the past few years. In January 2023 we got Cody Gakpo and the year before, Luis Diaz.

My gut tells me this one is a go-er, although much might depend on if Bajcetic can get himself into the team and if Endo can become the player Klopp promised he was.

If those two begin to flourish, there is perhaps no immediate need for Andre, although the promise of a long-term, potentially world-class no.6 is one we shouldn’t be turning down.

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Journalist: Liverpool ‘first in the queue’ for 22y/o who’s ‘definitely leaving’, Reds have watched him

Liam Togher — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:18:12 +0000

Graeme Bailey has said that Liverpool are ‘first in the queue’ to sign a player who’s ‘definitely leaving’ his current club in the January transfer window.

The journalist was speaking on 90min’s Talking Transfers podcast when he claimed that the Reds lead the chase for Andre Trindade, having sent a delegation to watch him as Fluminense recently booked their place in the Copa Libertadores final.

On Tuesday, Ian Doyle reported for the Liverpool Echo that the Merseysiders haven’t forgotten about the 22-year-old, having tried to sign him during the summer, and another reliable reporter has now issued their own favourable update.

Bailey said of Andre: “Many people think he’s the best defensive midfielder in the Brazilian top flight at the moment.

“It’s our understanding that [Liverpool] were in attendance for the Copa Libertadores semi-final. They would’ve been delighted for Andre to see that he helped inspire a 2-1 win over Internacional in the second leg. It got them through to the final, where they’ll play Boca Juniors.

“He really is one on the agenda for January and I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t leave Fluminense. Will it be to Liverpool? I think they’re first in the queue. He’s definitely leaving Fluminense in January, and he may very well be turning up at Anfield.”

It does certainly seem if the tide is turning increasingly in Liverpool’s favour when it comes to a possible January move for Andre.

With Fluminense’s season running on a calendar year basis rather than the August-May cycle which is common in Europe, the Brazilian outfit are approaching the end of the campaign, and may allow the 22-year-old to leave with their blessing, having stayed for their Copa Libertadores pursuit.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of positional peers outside of Europe for pass completion (93.8%), standing out as a composed distributor of the ball who could conduct proceedings from the base of midfield.

In turn, that should give Alexis Mac Allister the freedom to play further forward and have a greater chance of matching the impact he made at Brighton last season, when he registered 12 goals and three assists (Transfermarkt).

Even in a significant midfield rebuild which saw four players in that position signed during the summer, Andre could be the final piece in the jigsaw should Liverpool manage to bring him on over the winter, the odds of which appear ever-shorter following Bailey’s update.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 8 Review : Isak or Alvarez the man to watch? Dominance in EOTK’s league, time to go big on Villa/Spurs/West Ham…

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Liverpool prioritising January swoop for £35m pass master they’d wanted in summer

Liam Togher — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:53:07 +0000

Despite ongoing links with Piero Hincapie, it’s understood that Liverpool won’t be pursuing the Bayer Leverkusen defender for a January transfer, with the Ecuadorian set to cost a minimum of €50m (£43.2m).

Football Insider have now explained the reason for the Reds’ apparent reluctance to pursue the 21-year-old.

It’s believed that the priority in the winter transfer window is to try again for Andre Trindade, the Fluminense midfielder for whom a €30m (£25.9m) summer offer was rejected, with another bid expected in January in preference to a move for Hincapie.

Aside from Liverpool’s previous offer falling short of his €40m (£35m) buyout clause (GOAL), the main reason for Fluminense refusing to entertain selling the player was their ongoing involvement in the Copa Libertadores.

They’ll feel their stance has been justified as Andre has since helped them to reach the final of that competition, in which they’ll face Boca Juniors on 4 November.

The 22-year-old has stood out for his composure on the ball, achieving a remarkable passing success rate of 93.8% over the past 12 months, which places him among the top 1% of midfielders outside of European leagues (FBref).

The Brazilian would give Liverpool another natural defensive midfield option and could potentially free up Alexis Mac Allister to play further forward, with the 2022 World Cup winner currently operating in the number 6 role, with his creative influence duly curbed.

While the Reds definitely shouldn’t shut the door on strengthening their defence in January, especially given the injury concerns in that area of the pitch already this season, we can understand why they’re still determined to get Andre through the door. Let’s see what happens over the coming weeks.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 7 Review : Disaster for Liverpool, captain Watkins? Injuries piling up…

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‘Keep an eye on…’ – Romano claims Liverpool could yet move for 22y/o after ‘positive conversations’

Liam Togher — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:27:14 +0000

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool could still go for a player they unsuccessfully tried to sign during the summer transfer window.

The Reds had made an approach to Fluminense for Andre Trindade, but the Brazilian club were unwilling to part with the 22-year-old at such a crucial juncture in their season (Football Transfers).

However, speaking on the latest instalment of the Here We Go podcast (via TBR Football), the Italian reporter suggested that the Merseysiders won’t give up on their pursuit of the midfielder just yet.

Romano said: “It’s not over; it’s still something we have to keep an eye on because Liverpool really like Andre. They had positive conversations with Fluminense; they have good relationships.

“Fluminense were showing how strong they are in the Brazilian and South American market as they said ‘no way the player is leaving’, so credit to Fluminense.

“It was not easy, but I think Liverpool will keep monitoring the player. This is a special player, this is not a normal player. Andre is a very, very good player.”

Liverpool were given hope in their pursuit of Andre recently when Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt appeared to hint that the Rio de Janeiro outfit would be open to selling the player during the winter months, when Brazilian clubs will be out of season.

The 22-year-old could be a continental champion by then, with his side into the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, where they’ll face domestic rivals Internacional.

It’s quite understandable that the club would’ve been desperate to keep hold of the midfielder as they aim to win the tournament for the first time in their history, but they might be more amenable to sale once their campaign finishes.

Liverpool are now much better stocked for defensive midfielders than they had been six weeks ago, having since added Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, but they could still view Andre as a serious talent who’s too good to simply disregard after putting so much effort already into pursuing him.

By the time January rolls around, they could again find themselves needing to bolster their options in the middle of the park depending on injuries or player exits. Also, the ‘good relationships’ they have with Fluminense – as per Romano – could make it easier to facilitate a transfer.

Even if the Reds couldn’t quite land the 22-year-old during the summer, there still seems a strong chance of them getting their man over the next few months.

#Ep89 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Club chief outlines what he told Liverpool about 22y/o as potential January hint dropped

Liam Togher — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 17:41:34 +0000

Liverpool could be free to swoop for Andre Trindade in the January transfer window, following comments made by Fluminense’s president.

The Reds had been in talks with the Brazilian club during the summer regarding a potential move for the midfielder, only to be knocked back as the Rio de Janeiro outfit didn’t want to lose such an important player at a critical juncture of their season, which runs on a calendar year basis.

However, speaking to ESPN (via O Globo and Liverpool Echo), Mario Bittencourt dropped a strong hint that his side would be open to selling the 22-year-old in the winter.

The Fluminense chief said: “There is an agreement between us, with the player and representative, that he would stay until the end of the year and they comply fully and with the utmost tranquility.

“We chose not to sell him because we believed that we would reach the final stages of the Libertadores. It was a decision sporting criteria.

“In the case of Liverpool, I go even further. Liverpool’s executive director contacted me directly. And I replied to him, ‘My friend, I don’t sell players now and I don’t deliver now. If you want to buy now to take in January we can start talking, or if you want to wait until December and we talk in December’.”

Fluminense will feel justified in their stance on not selling Andre in the recently concluded transfer window, with the 22-year-old helping them to progress to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, which take place later this month and in early October.

However, Bittencourt has very much left the door open for Liverpool to make their move prior to January, when the Brazilian outfit will be out of season and given the player their blessing to leave, having committed to them for a crucial period of a potentially glorious campaign.

A radical summer overhaul has left Jurgen Klopp with a plethora of midfield options as new names such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch join the likes of Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott at Anfield.

Adding a composed number 6 such as Andre will give the Reds an enviable array of riches in the middle of the park, with the 22-year-old one of the most reliable operators on the ball of any midfielder in the world.

As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of what the website deems ‘Men’s Next 8 Competitions’ over the past year for pass completion with 93.3%, while he’s among the top 2% of positional peers when it comes to passes per game (77.18).

Liverpool’s need for him now isn’t as great at what it had been at the start of August, but the picture could be drastically different again by the time January rolls around, so the Anfield hierarchy will take great pleasure from Bittencourt’s latest remarks.

Ep89 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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