Brazil pass master could be perfect for Liverpool if transfer interest revived

One former Liverpool target could be the answer to the current midfield conundrum at Anfield. Fluminense midfielder Andre was linked with a move to the Reds in late 2023.

A move to Anfield, though, never materialised for the Brazil international, who had been tipped to move to the Premier League as Arsenal, Manchester United and Fulham were all credited with an interest.

Following the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho last summer, the Reds initiated contact with Fluminense over a potential move for Andre, who was valued at around £20m.

However, the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners informed Liverpool that they had no intention of selling the midfielder midway through the Brazilian season.

Speaking after Liverpool's first move for Andre, Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt told ESPN: "In the case of Liverpool, I go even further. Liverpool's chief executive [Billy Hogan] contacted me directly.

"I replied to him: 'My friend, I don't sell players now and I don't deliver them now. If you want to buy now, and only get the player in January, we can start talking... Or if you want to wait until December, we can talk in December.'"

Earlier this month, the 23-year-old was left out of Fluminense's squad for a cup match against Juventude as speculation over a summer move to Craven Cottage intensified following Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich. But that move has yet to come to fruition.

That leaves the question as to whether Liverpool could reignite their interest in the midfielder, who boasts the highest pass accuracy in the Brazilian top flight this season (94.9%).

The Reds failed in their pursuit to bring Martin Zubimendi to the club earlier this month after a late change of heart resulted in the midfielder remaining at Real Sociedad. Since then, Ryan Gravenberch has assumed responsibility at the base of midfield for Arne Slot's side.

Asked about a potential move to the Premier League last year, Andre said: “I follow the Premier League a lot. It’s a very competitive league that demands a lot from players. But today my dream is to live day by day here in Fluminense.

"I don’t know what will happen in the future. I have a long contract at Fluminense [which runs until the end of 2026] and I really like being here."