Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade in the January transfer window.
The Brazilian defensive midfielder, 22, is ready to leave Fluminense next month after helping his side win the Copa Libertadores in November. Liverpool failed with a £25m offer for the youngster over the summer. And now several clubs are vying for his signature, including Marco Silva’s Fulham.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Fulham have expressed their interest in signing Andre Trindade from Fluminense.
The Cottagers endured a tough start to the season but have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks. They smashed London rivals West Ham 5-0 at home in the Premier League last weekend which took them from 14th to 10th in the table.
Marco Silva had received assurances over financial backing in the upcoming winter transfer window before committing to a new deal in October. In addition to signing a striker to replace the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic, he is keen on adding a midfielder to his squad.
Andre Trindade to Fulham—Great move for the club on the rise?
Fulham almost lost star midfielder Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day in September. The Portuguese international was in Germany ready to complete a move to Bayern Munich on the final day of the transfer window before Fulham pulled the plug due to their inability to sign a replacement in a short period of time.
Palhinha quickly signed a new contract until 2028 at Craven Cottage but there are no assurances that he will stay at the club, with Bayern expected to revive their interest in him—meaning Marco Silva and Co. are having to draw up a list of targets to potentially replace him. Fluminense’s Andre Trindade is top of their list and Fulham currently appear as the favourites to complete this deal.
Andre has been one of the star performers for Fluminense this season, and it is not surprising to see him be linked with several top clubs. It is no secret that Fulham will need a quality defensive midfielder if Palhinha leaves in January, and Andre could be a key addition to their midfield. He will help protect the Cottagers’ defence and break up opposition attacks. The 22-year-old’s arrival will also allow Andreas Pereira and Harrison Reed to operate with more freedom going forward.
At 22, the one-capped Brazil international fits the profile at Craven Cottage. Andre could prove to be a shrewd long-term acquisition for Fulham and the reported €35 million exit clause is quite reasonable as well. However, given Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping close tabs on Andre, it remains to be seen whether Fulham can pull off this deal. And it will be a coup of sorts if the Cottagers can get this deal done.