Liverpool may now find it even harder to sign Andre Trindade from Fluminense, after they advanced in the Copa Libertadores last night.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Andre in the final weeks of the transfer window. But with Fluminense reportedly unwilling to sell, a lot rested on the outcome of Tuesday’s game with Argentinos Juniors.
There had been claims that if the Brazilians lost, they’d be much more likely to sell the 22-year-old. However, if they progressed to the Copa quarter-finals, a deal for Andre would be more or less off the table.
So, all eyes were on the Maracana last night, as Liverpool fans crossed their fingers for Alexis Mac Allister’s former side.
In the end though, Fluminense were always the favourites, and so it proved. Having secured a 1-1 draw out in Argentina, two late, late goals on the night gave them a 3-1 aggregate win. Bad news for the Reds.
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Fluminense advance in the Copa
Just because Fluminense won, it doesn’t necessarily mean Liverpool won’t keep pushing to bring Andre to Anfield.
Yes, the Rio club will want to keep hold of him, that’s clear. They’ve never won the Copa and will be dreaming of glory having made it to the quarter-finals. Andre is a big part of the team, playing the full 90 minutes of last night’s game.
But, if Liverpool come in with an attractive enough offer, then you’d imagine the Brazilian club will at least entertain it.
There have been claims that they could ask for as much as £34m to sell Andre. In fact, Brazilian outlet Netflu claim he actually has a release clause of that amount. From a Liverpool point of view, that doesn’t look terrifically expensive, although could present a bit of a gamble nontheless.
So, if the Reds really are as interested in the Brazil international as has been reported, then maybe there’s another way to get this done.
With the Brazilian season running until December, Fluminense will surely sell Andre in January. A smart solution for everyone may then be to get this boxed off this summer, ahead of a move in the winter window. That way Flu keep their man for their Copa push, and Liverpool get him to aid their Premier League campaign at the mid-way point.
It would have been nice to have Andre now. But if needs be, we’re happy to wait. As long as Liverpool bring an alternative in immediately, supporters will accept that.