Liverpool have been dealt another transfer blow as it has emerged that they will not be able to sign Andre this summer after Fluminense blocked any departure before January.
The 22-year-old Brazilian is one of several midfielders that Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with this summer, and reports even claim that they saw a 30m euro (£25m) bid turned down for him earlier in the transfer window.
Now, however, a deal has been completely shut off until January because the Brazilian side remain midway through their season and are eyeing up a first ever Copa Libertadores win, with Andre’s side now in the quarter finals of the competition and only having reached the final once, back in 2008.
Porto Alegre, Brazil. 13th Aug, 2023. Ferreirinha of Gremio battles for possession ball with Andre of Fluminense, during the match between Gremio and Fluminense, for the Brazilian Serie A 2023, at Arena do Gremio Stadium, in Porto Alegre on August 13. Pho 2RH43W7 Porto Alegre, Brazil. 13th Aug, 2023. Ferreirinha of Gremio battles for possession ball with Andre of Fluminense, during the match between Gremio and Fluminense, for the Brazilian Serie A 2023, at Arena do Gremio Stadium, in Porto Alegre on August 13. Photo: Richard Ducker/DiaEsportivo/Alamy Live News Credit: DiaEsportivo/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
As a result, they will not be willing to sanction any departure until January 2024 at the earliest, when it is expected that interested parties will return, Globo report.
Quizzed on the speculation, Andre insisted that his feet remain firmly on the ground.
“It is obvious that it is normal to receive proposals. Even more so with the team doing well, passing the stage at Conmebol Libertadores, at the top of the Brasileirão. Not just for me, but it must have gotten to others as well. I am happy for the proposals that arrive, but my mind today is focused 100% on Fluminense”, he explained.
Liverpool have already signed Wataru Endo this summer in a deal worth £18m, but are believed to be on the hunt for another midfielder before next Friday’s transfer deadline.