Since the appointment of Deco as sporting director, Barcelona have kept an observant eye on talents emerging from Brazil.
Having already acquired one of Brazil’s brightest prodigies, Vitor Roque, who will officially join in January, the club was reported to have also maintained a keen interest in 22-year-old Fluminense midfielder, Andre.
With Joan Laporta confirming Barça’s pursuit for a midfielder to replace Gavi in the upcoming winter transfer window, links with Andre only grew.
A champion of the Copa Libertadores and a Brazil international, the player is on the ascendancy and will soon participate in Friday’s Club World Cup final.
Andre expected to join Fulham
However, as per talkSPORT, Premier League side Fulham are expected to land Andre in 2024, beating many English heavyweights to secure his signature.
Reports previously argued that Barcelona were eyeing Andre as a potential candidate for the pivot position in the summer, and were prepared to bring forward his signing in light of the depletions in midfield following Gavi’s ACL injury.
But according to the latest information, Fulham already have an agreement in principle in place with Andre.
The Cottagers are willing to pay Fluminense more than €23 million in fees, and they are awaiting word on whether Joao Palhinha’s exit will offset Andre’s arrival.
Barcelona will have to look elsewhere
Even though Barcelona were interested in the 22-year-old midfielder, his transfer fee was always going to be a major deterrent, especially since the Catalan giants are looking for a short-term solution to alleviate Gavi’s absence.
A number of players have been linked with the club, as Barça are reportedly in the market for a new ‘Edgar Davids’.
Renato Sanches, Kalvin Phillips, Thomas Partey, Andrey Santos, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yann M’Vila, and Grzegorz Krychowiak are some of the players who have entered the team’s crosshairs.
Time will tell who Barcelona end up opting for, but the signing of Andre is looking increasingly improbable amid Fulham’s interest.
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