Barcelona are planning to rival Liverpool for the signature of Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade during the January transfer window
Barcelona plans to compete with Liverpool in the race to sign Fluminense defensive midfielder Andre Trindade during the January transfer window. Liverpool’s interest in Andre has continued since the summer when they targeted the Brazilian as a replacement for Fabinho.
The Reds reshaped their midfield during the summer after their struggles in the department last season. Liverpool sold many long-serving midfielders while signing young quality midfielders, playing a pivotal role in their good form this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp signed Wataru Endo as the only natural number six option currently in the squad. Stefan Bajcetic suffered a long-term injury after featuring during the last season, halting his growth in the senior team. As an integral part of their long-term project, the club expects the Spaniard to gradually reintegrate into the senior team.
Meanwhile, Thiago has missed the whole season due to the injury he suffered last season, making him an unreliable option. The Spaniard is fulfilling the last season of his current contract with severe doubt over a new contract offer. The 32-year-old is earning big wages and his injury record makes him a surplus to the requirements at Liverpool.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has deployed Alexis Mac Allister as the deepest midfielder in many games this season. The Argentine prefers to play as a number eight rather than the deepest midfielder but lack of options restricted that.
Furthermore, Trent Alexender-Arnold is slowly transitioning into a number six role at the club, providing spectacular performances in that role. The Liverpool vice-captain takes on that role whenever Joe Gomez plays as a right-back.
Andre earned more reputation after playing a pivotal role in Fluminense’s successful Copa Libertadores campaign. Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona are looking to bolster their midfield by adding Liverpool target Andre to their squad.
The Reds need more option in the number six position even if Trent transition into the midfield permanently. Andre fits the profile desired at the club as someone with maturity in tackling and intercepting the ball.
The 22-year-old is tenacious, reads the game well and prefers to stay on his feet rather than jumping recklessly. He maintains composure on his feet, capable of maneuvering out of tight and congested situations while retaining possession.
André on PL move: “I watch Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2023
“I'm focused on finishing the season with Fluminense and realising our own dream of winning the Club World Cup. But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player”, told @JacobsBen. pic.twitter.com/7VsMhiSPbF
Andre has good passing and distribution but prefers to leave the creativity side of things to the more advance players. Klopp has opted to use 4-2-3-1 formation with double-pivot number six at times when Trent plays centrally.
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The formation can play a crucial role as Trent’s inverted fullback role is creating congestion in attacking third. The situation arises as there is no overlapping fullback to stretch the opposition defence and create spaces in the middle. Andre can be a strong addition to the Liverpool squad but it is speculative to assume how much of a priority a midfield signing is. The Reds main focus could be a right back and a centre back in the upcoming transfer windows.
