– EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
The Saudi Pro League has now held talks with Fluminense star Andre amid interest from Premier League sides including Liverpool and Fulham.
HITC Football has been told by sources in the Middle East that Andre is very much a player admired by the Pro League and they’re ready to offer him a big money move this month to move to one of the PIF-owned clubs.
Liverpool have shown an interest 22-year-old while Fulham have spoken to both the player and Fluminense.
However, it’s believed Marco Silva’s side will only push through a deal if Joao Palhinha moves on before the end of the window.
It’s understood that Andre – described as ‘fantastic’ by Lucas Leiva – is also attracting interest from Juventus and clubs in Germany.
Saudi Pro League have held targets with Andre amid Liverpool interest
Andre has been linked with a move away from Brazil for some time now and looks certain to leave South America eventually.
He admitted it was his ‘dream’ to head to the Premier League one day, but that now might have to wait.
As was shown in the summer, when Saudi clubs come knocking, it’s very hard for players to say no.
Liverpool know all too well that the proposition of heading to Saudi Arabia is an enticing one and now Andre could be the latest player to head in that direction.
With Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho all now plying their trade in the Pro League, the young Brazilian may never make it to Anfield before making the move to the Middle East.
Andre ready for a big move away from Brazil
Liverpool’s interest stretches back to the summer but Andre stayed put hoping to help Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores.
He achieved that dream in November, playing a starring role in the final against Boca Juniors before heading to the Club World Cup.
Saudi clubs got a closer look at Andre during the tournament hosted in Jeddah as his side lost the final to Liverpool’s rivals Manchester City.
The 22-year-old is already a Brazilian international and will have ambitions of making the squad for the Copa America this summer.
It’s arguably the most competitive national team squad in the world to break into and playing his football outside of Brazil will help his cause.
Whether that’s in the Premier League, Saudi Pro League or even somewhere else is yet to be seen.
However, Saudi Arabia has now stated their case to the Brazilian in the hopes that they can attract some of the best young talent in world football, rather than just players heading towards the end of their careers.
Liverpool and Fulham now have key decision to make on Andre
Fulham, like Liverpool, are all too aware of how tempting a move to the Saudi Pro League can be.
They saw star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic make the switch to Al-Hilal and the Serbian international is thriving in the Pro League.
The Whites have since been linked with a forward who could potentially make a move in the other direction this month.
Roberto Firmino is attracting interest from several Premier League teams including Marco Silva’s side.
Liverpool and Fulham now have to decide whether to act on their interest in Andre after the Saudi Pro League held talks with the midfielder.
While this month isn’t set to create the same number of blockbuster headlines as the previous transfer window, it looks like there are still some high-profile deals that could be done.
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