David Ornstein says Liverpool did make call to club about signing their £34m player

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Liverpool were unable to strike a deal to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade last summer.

The Reds were heavily linked with a move for Andre before the start of the season. As January approaches, rumours that the Brazilian could be on his way to Anfield have continued.

But according to journalist David Ornstein, there’s little chance of Andre becoming a Liverpool player. Writing in The Athletic, Ornstein claims that although the Reds did ‘make a call’ about the 22-year-old, nothing could be agreed with his club.

“When Liverpool found themselves trying to strengthen at No 6 and various options were explored, a call was made about the availability of Fluminense talent Andre Trindade,” says the reporter. “It did not work out for either party then and an alternative route was pursued, which removes him from the agenda now.”

Ornstein also weighed in on links to Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, suggesting that an imminent move to sign the 28-year-old is also highly unlikely.

“Joao Palhinha of Fulham has been linked but nothing is expected to emerge on this,” he says. “Liverpool believe their midfield is in good shape and their normal profile would be different to that of the Portugal international, who is 28 and has a steep anticipated transfer fee.”

Liverpool miss out on Andre

Unfortunately, this failed transfer saga will never not be frustrating. It’s clear that having assessed their options for a defensive midfielder, Liverpool went and signed Wataru Endo.

Of course, we’re fully behind Endo and he’s done fairly well so far. But it’s also abundantly clear that the Japan captain is not the answer moving forward.

At 30, he is unlikely to develop further and is also quite possibly past his peak already. Liverpool needed somebody for now and for the future. Endo isn’t really that player.

Had he been brought in as well as Andre, then that would be a different story. Endo for now, Andre for the future.

Obviously during the summer that wasn’t possible. The reasons why have been well documented and it’s fair to say that Andre hasn’t regretted staying at his boyhood club. Having helped Flu win their first Copa Libertadores title, the Brazil international is set to feature in tonight’s Club World Cup final against Manchester City.

That game will be the first true indication of how Andre matches up against top Premier League opposition. If he does well, maybe Liverpool could still reconsider.

Having denied him his move in the summer, Fluminense are now ready to sell Andre. He’ll seemingly be available in January. For his reported £34m release clause, he’d be a top addition.

As a result, it isn’t too late for Liverpool to correct this. For now it looks as though Fulham might end up winning the race for Andre. But the Reds obviously like him. Signing Endo should not have put an end to that interest. Unfortunately, for now, it looks as though it has.