Napoli are planning to challenge Liverpool for Fluminense defensive midfielder Andre Trindade
Napoli are looking to battle Liverpool for the signature of highly coveted Fluminense star Andre Trindade during the January window. The Reds have targeted the 22-year-old during the summer but Andre stayed at Fluminense to help them win Copa Libertadores.
Andre played a crucial role for Fluminense as they defeated Boca Juniors 1-2 in the Copa Libertadores final. The Brazil international has attracted interest from many top clubs with his reputation bound to grow after the recent triumph.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has deployed Alexis Mac Allister in the deeper role for most of the games this season. The Reds signed Wataru Endo, a 30-year-old experienced defensive midfielder, but they consider him a squad player. Additionally, Klopp doesn’t have a defensive midfielder capable of playing as a single pivot in big games since Fabinho left.
Italy Journalist Giovanni Scotto (h/t Liverpool Echo) reported that Napoli have entered the race to challenge Liverpool for Andre’s signature. The report further claimed that the Brazilian would cost €15m (£13m), a valuation much lower than the ones reported earlier.
Andre stands at just 176cm but he is deceptively very strong and capable during one-on-one duels. The Brazilian has the speed and stamina to cover distance and track back when required. The 22-year-old is a hard presser off the ball and does not throw himself on the ground for tackles.
Instead, Andre has shown patience and maturity to time his tackle to take the ball cleanly from his opponents. The Brazil international is a good reader of the game and presses the opposition as well as intercepts accordingly.
Andre is a modern-day defensive midfielder with incredible technical abilities on the ball and the mindset of a playmaker. The 22-year-old’s low centre of gravity helps keep a close control over the ball and manoeuvre easily in tight spaces.
Fluminense’s André on Liverpool bid in August: “It was just something I couldn't refuse, the club, the league…”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2023
“Every player dreams of playing at such a club. I decided to keep my word and stay”.
“If I've accepted that offer, I’d not feel 100% comfortable with myself”. pic.twitter.com/o2ni6eFzKi
The Brazilian is a fantastic distributor and controls the tempo of the game according to the requirements of his team. Andre has a very high passing percentage as he lets the teammates responsible for creating chances, take the risks.
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The 22-year-old fits the profile that Klopp desires at Liverpool given that the German has other variety of midfielders already. Andre can be a marquee signing for the Reds if they desire to make a serious move for the player. The Brazil international might need some time to adapt to European football as many South American talents usually do.
