Liverpool have been watching reported transfer target Andre Trindade for the past three years at Fluminense.
Andre looks set to be the subject of a charm offensive from Liverpool over the coming weeks, as they ramp up their search for new midfielders.
And according to Brazilian outlet Globo, this is merely the culmination of years of scouting. They claim that Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Andre since before he even made his Fluminense first-team debut.
The Reds reportedly sent scouts to watch the then 18-year-old in the Sao Paulo Junior Football Cup. Although they didn’t follow the interest up at the time, they now very much are.
It’s claimed that Liverpool consulted Fluminense at the beginning of the week about signing Andre. No official proposal has reportedly come the Brazilian side’s way just yet, but they’re said to be determined to keep Andre regardless.
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The side from Rio de Janeiro are claimed to be aware that keeping the 22-year-old until the end of their season could mean a smaller transfer fee. However, they also apparently believe that Andre’s involvement with the Brazilian national team could help his profile grow.
For now, it’s unclear just whether Liverpool will follow up their interest or not. But this seemingly isn’t just a flash in the pan. The Reds have been keen for a long, long while.
Liverpool ready to move on Andre
It’s interesting to hear that Liverpool are actually actively scouting the South American market. Although there are some real gems to be found there, the Reds never buy directly from the source.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not aware of the players coming through.
They now boast a large number of players from the continent. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister all hail from different countries.
It’s probably fair to assume that Liverpool have been keeping track of all three since they were teenagers, too.
No stone goes unturned in modern scouting. The Reds have perhaps been keeping tabs on each player as they made steps through their respective careers.
But now, with work permit rules from South America starting to relax, maybe Liverpool are deciding to cut out the middle man. Either that, or the need for a midfielder and Andre’s talent has created a perfect storm for him to come direct from Brazil to Anfield.
If he does, it sounds as though Liverpool will know what to expect already. For us, we’ll have to make do with Tim Vickery’s expert analysis. The journalist told Football Daily yesterday that the 22-year-old is a ‘quick’ player who’d slot straight into Jurgen Klopp’s side. Sounds ideal!