Jurgen Klopp’s midfield remains in need of a few more additions.
Despite Liverpool making three signings this summer, there’s still a sense of deficiency in the midfield. With the summer transfer window entering its final weeks, negotiations may heat up soon.
What’s the latest on Andre to Liverpool?
According to Brazilian outlet Globo GE, Liverpool has submitted a €30 million (£25 million) offer for Fluminense midfielder Andre this summer, but the bid has been rejected because Fluminense is in the quarter-finals of the Conmebol Libertadores.
Reports from Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, suggest that the 22-year-old has a release clause of €40 million (£34 million) in his Fluminense contract. However, the recent developments in this deal suggest that Liverpool is hesitant to meet this valuation.
Liverpool has made summer signings in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo. However, with the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, and the contract expirations of James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, adding another player to the midfield might be a wise move.
What’s the assessment of Andre’s skills?
Andre is described as a tough-tackling, “top-class roaming playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig. He has been performing impressively in his homeland for Fluminense, amassing 148 appearances for the club.
While Liverpool has shown promise in their team following a subpar campaign last season, the need for a top-quality holding midfielder has been evident. Liverpool’s inability to secure signings like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both ended up at Chelsea despite Liverpool reaching price agreements, was a disappointment for the club.
If Liverpool can negotiate a deal for Andre at roughly half the £58 million that Chelsea paid for Lavia, it could turn out to be a brilliant move by Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke. Andre, a one-cap Brazil star, would be a valuable addition, especially following the astute £16 million transfer of the hardworking Endo from Stuttgart.
According to Sofascore, Andre has achieved an average rating of 7.14 across 16 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A this season. He completes 94% of his passes, makes 2.5 tackles per game, and succeeds in 64% of his ground duels and 70% of his dribbles. Kulig also describes him as a “leader.”
Comparatively, Lavia recorded an average league score of 6.80 with Southampton last season. He completed 86% of his passes, averaged 2.1 tackles, and won 58% of his ground duels. However, it’s worth noting that Lavia played in the Premier League for a struggling Southampton side that was ultimately relegated.
While Lavia is undoubtedly a promising talent, Andre offers a more dynamic skill set that could enhance Liverpool’s midfield. Andre ranks among the top 1% of midfielders in Men’s Next Eight divisions for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90. This illustrates his passing ability and energy in the center of the pitch, qualities that would complement Klopp’s high-energy system.
While Lavia is an exceptional talent, Andre, who was once considered Fluminense’s most “coveted” asset, should be signed as a prudent alternative now that Lavia has joined Chelsea. This move could pay off handsomely as Liverpool seeks to return to the top of the league.
