01 August 2023 , 19:09
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Liverpool are looking into the possibility of signing Fluminense's Andre this summer.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to add another midfielder to his squad after the recent departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner exited the Reds in June following the expiry of their contracts, while Arthur returned to Juventus at the end of his loan spell.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have arrived, but Klopp is hoping Liverpool can do more to beef up their squad heading into the new season. Romeo Lavia is someone the Reds are looking at, but could face difficultly agreeing a deal with Southampton after Liverpool instantly saw a £41million bid rejected for the Belgian.
But now, the Reds are eyeing up alternative options with Andre on their list of potential targets. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have touched base with Fluminense as they plot a move for the 22-year-old - exactly a month before the transfer window slams shut in England.
Who is Andre?
The Brazil international came through the ranks at Fluminense before making his professional debut in September 2020, coming on as a late substitute for Dodi in a 1-0 victory over Atletico Goianiense. He quickly cemented himself in the throughout the remainder of the season - but it wasn't until 2021 where he burst on to the scene.
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Andre scored his first professional goal in July 2021, netting the winner against arch rivals Flamengo. He failed to score another that season but made 36 appearances in all competitions, while also claiming the best Serie A newcomer award in the process.
But Andre hit his best form last season, featuring a remarkable 61 times for Fluminense throughout and winning two major trophies in the Taca Guanabara and Campeonato Carioca. It was that form that helped him win his first Brazil cap as he came on for the final minutes of their game against Senegal in June.
Andre has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Getty Images)Style of play
Andre is a right-footed defensive midfielder who grew up idolising the combative Felipe Melo, who played in Europe for Racing Santander, Almeria, Fiorentina, Juventus, Galatasaray and Inter Milan.
But the Fluminense star is totally unlike his hero and is a more technical player, who operates just in front of the back four but has an excellent technical ability and range of passing.
At 5'7, Andre is not the tallest but is strong and has a knack of winning tackles. He is also an effective ball carrier and is good at progressing the ball towards the final third, having completed 1.7 progressive take-ons per 90 minutes in the last year.
Liverpool currently lack someone with that box-to-box energy in their squad at the moment, and Andre could provide the Reds with something different. The Reds have an advantage in their possible pursuit of Andre as his agent is Jorge Mendes, whose agency also represents Liverpool duo Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.