According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are interested in Fluminense star Andre Trindade but are not at the point of entering negotiations to sign the player in the January transfer window.
Liverpool are seeing huge improvements in their performances compared to last season after a major squad transformation during the summer, which saw a number of the club’s most influential players of the past moving on.
Ex-club captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho all left the red side of Merseyside in the summer, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo all became part of the much-needed Liverpool rebuild.
Despite signing up some serious talent, there has still been a nagging feeling that the Reds failed to secure a trustworthy and resilient defensive midfielder to complete the refresh in the centre of the pitch, especially with Jurgen Klopp opting to play Mac Allister out of position instead of Endo.
As a result, it will come as no surprise that the Merseyside giants are being linked with a number of defensive midfielders who fit the profile ahead of the winter transfer window opening and Andre Trindade is one of the most talked about reported targets.
Now Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Liverpool’s interest in the Brazilian midfielder on his KICK Q&A (via Liverpool World):
“There is an obsession with this Andre story. Liverpool are still very well informed on the situation of Andre but Liverpool are currently not in negotiations with Fluminense.”
“At the moment there is not a concrete discussion. That’s the reality. They (Liverpool) wanted him in the summer but they are not negotiating now.
“Fulham want Andre. Liverpool are just in contact with people close to Andre but they are not actively negotiating with Fluminense. I can’t predict the future.”
“Interest? Yes. Negotiation. No”
Will Liverpool sign Andre Trindade?
The acquisition of an out-and-out defensive midfielder in January would be the cherry on top of the cake for Liverpool’s almost perfect midfield rebuild and would certainly put them in an even stronger position to compete in both the Premier League title race and trophy opportunities this season.
Having said that, the Reds have spent £140m in the summer on midfielders and if the spending habits of FSG are anything to go by, it is unlikely that Liverpool will do business in the turn of the year unless it is felt to be extremely necessary or an investment into a long-term target.
Andre has enjoyed an exciting few months with Fluminense as he went on to win the Copa Libertadores with the Brazilian side last month, however, his future now hangs in the balance with rumours of a Premier League move constantly being reported.
Both Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic have not been available for selection due to injury issues throughout the season so far and depending on their return dates and recovery, could be considered as like ‘new signings’ for the defensive presence in midfield, stumping any approach for Andre.
The latest update from Romano will leave Liverpool supporters with a glimmer of hope that the 22-year-old could be on his way to Merseyside in the new year, however, it certainly wouldn’t be a shock if the club decide against investing in another midfielder at this time.
