South America is rarely in short supply of talent coveted by Europe’s elite, and Andre Trindade da Costa Neto, or just Andre, looks to be the next samba star ready to take the plunge.
Described by some as the ultimate ‘modern-day defensive midfielder’, Andre’s stock soared during Fluminense’s run to their maiden Copa Libertadores success in November.
The 22-year-old was never regarded as a talent destined for superstardom, and it took a while for him to establish himself with Fluminense’s senior setup. Roger Machado aided his integration, but it was Fernando Diniz who has helped Andre reach a new gear at the base of his midfield.
A dynamic and deceptively strong metronome who was crucial to Fluminense’s continental triumph, it’s easy to understand why clubs have taken a keen interest in the Brazilian and sources close to his current employer expect the January transfer window to yield a high profile move.
Erik ten Hag sought midfield stability during his first transfer window as Manchester United boss, eventually stumbling upon Casemiro after failing to prise Frenkie de Jong away from Barcelona.
The Brazilian proved to be an excellent addition, starring as United enjoyed a promising 2022/23 season with Ten Hag in charge. At the start of 2023/24, though, Casemiro’s form has fallen off a cliff – he is also wanted in Saudi Arabia, while new arrival Sofyan Amrabat is yet to convince.
There are a multitude of issues at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag’s midfield is one of them. The Dutchman once again requires stability, and Andre is certainly a profile they like. Indeed, United have already joined the list of suitors taking interest in the emerging star.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s ego suggesting that he could mould Kai Havertz into a regular contributor in north London, the German still looks like the same midfielder-cum-forward who was utterly devoid of confidence for much of his Chelsea spell. Simply put, Arsenal have not filled their Granit Xhaka void.
Andre is not the man for the Gunners’ left-sided number eight role, but he could be a replacement for Thomas Partey which would then allow Arteta to utilise Declan Rice in a more advanced position – even if the Englishman himself believes he performs better as a number six.
Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders already, many of whom are capable of performing both the holding and box-to-box roles in Arteta’s system. Nevertheless, sporting director Edu Gaspar has personally scouted Andre and believes his native Brazil to be an untapped resource for talent.
Who knows what Tottenham‘s ambitions will be by the time the January transfer window rolls around? Injuries to James Maddison and Micky van de Ven have thrust their 2023/24 prospects into doubt.
Nevertheless, if the club wants to keep progressing with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, they must continue to reinforce astutely. Midfield may not be regarded as a priority area this winter, but they’ll need a replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg if he leaves following an enquiry from Juventus.
Andre is certainly better suited to performing the holding role in Ange’s midfield, but displacing Yves Bissouma will be no simple task. Still, if Andre is available for £30m, Spurs may find it hard to overlook the Brazilian’s talent and potential.
Liverpool underwent a drastic midfield makeover in the summer, yet there’s more work to be done.
The Reds added several box-to-boxers in Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister, who are better suited to performing the number eight roles in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
They floundered when trying to find their Fabinho replacement, eventually signing Wataru Endo out of the blue. However, Klopp has so far preferred Mac Allister at the base of his midfield.
Neither Mac Allister nor Endo are the long-term solutions in the role, but Andre could be. The Brazilian boasts an aesthetic similar to Thiago, although he isn’t quite as majestic with the ball. Nevertheless, Andre possesses the industry, and duel-winning capabilities to be a success in the Premier League. And, of all England’s big clubs, they have been watching him the longest.
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