Liverpool expected to miss out on Fluminense star as Fulham swoop in
By Evan Curnew
Liverpool overhauled their midfield significantly this past summer, adding the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds saw outgoings, too, with former captain Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving the club. Liverpool were linked to many defensive midfield options this past transfer window, ultimately deciding to pursue the signing of Endo as a veteran option.
Liverpool are yet to identify a long-term option at the No. 6 spot, at least from an external perspective. The club does have Spanish youth international Stefan Bajcetic in the ranks, who has the potential to be an everyday regular in the Premier League.
One name that garnered a lot of attention as someone the club could target was Andre of Fluminense. The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder recently won the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense and enjoyed a strong season in Brasileiro Serie A. It is expected that European interest in Andre will be renewed in the upcoming January transfer window. Coming off the Libertadores win, the player’s value has increased significantly since the summer.
Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, they are not reading the race to sign Andre, and it is another Premier League club making a move. According to Bruno Andrade of UOL, Fulham led the race to sign Andre in January. The Cottagers expect Bayern Munich to try signing Joao Palhinha again, and they are lining up his replacement.
The report from UOL suggests that scouts from Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham were all in attendance to watch the Copa Libertadores final between Fluminense and Boca Juniors. Arsenal’s eyes lie elsewhere in the midfield as it is reported that Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is in their sights. For Liverpool, they will either have to search for alternatives or be willing to leapfrog Fulham in the race to sign Andre.
Journalist Bruno Andrade suggests that Andre will be sold for around £26-30 million.