As the teams head into the international break, it is time to check back on the available players and plan for the season ahead. As the media dusts off news from the past, it appears that Liverpool had made a bid to sign a midfielder from Ligue 1.
It was early in August that the Reds were linked with a move for the Rennes’ midfielder Benjamin Andre, although there was no confirmation from either party.
Reports earlier in the summer indicated that a starting offer of €17m was being prepared by the Anfield side. However, that was the last we heard of the link at that time, with the story disappearing as quickly as it emerged.
It looked at that time that Liverpool’s interest was only a figment of imagination, but this report from French outlet Le Telegramme indicates that an offer for Andre was indeed made!
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was looking to bolster his midfield options in the summer, having sold Lucas Leiva to Lazio. However, Naby Keita is scheduled to arrive at Anfield next season. Hence, a move for Andre was not something out of the blue. His rejection was also not uncalled for, as the 27-year-old wasn’t exactly interested in leaving France just yet.
He recently signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Rennes and feels that he has a long future at the club, having stated in the summer that he wants to contribute to the long-term project at Rennes.
It remains interesting to see if Liverpool follow up on their initial interest for Andre with a renewed approach either in the January transfer window or next summer.
Andre has picked up pretty much from where he left off last season and was made the club captain during the summer. That means it may need a stronger and concrete effort for Liverpool to sign him.
The robust midfielder may not settle for anything less than a regular role in the first-team and Liverpool will have to assure the same to have any thoughts of signing him.
Will Klopp go for Andre again, this winter or next summer?
