Andre Trindade showed why both Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly keen on securing his signature, winning the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense for the first time in the club’s history.
The Brazilian midfielder was heavily linked with Liverpool in the summer and it is understood the Reds had a bid rebuffed for the player, while Arsenal are also believed to be keen on the player. Andre was reported to have wanted to stay with his current club through to the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores campaign.
And the 22-year-old was repaid for his loyalty with a medal after Fluminense overcame Boca Juniors in a 2-1 victory at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Andre played a pivotal role in the victory, boasting an impressive 95% pass completion rate through a match in which he often found himself to be the focal point for his side.
Fluminense took the lead in the 30th minute through German Cano, but Boca Juniors leveled the score late in the second half with Luis Advíncula finding the net. The tightly contested final extended to extra time, where John Kennedy secured the match-winner just before the break.
The drama continued as Kennedy received a red card shortly after scoring, and Boca Juniors were reduced to 10 men when Frank Fabra was also sent off before the referee finally called time on the intense exchange.
With the competition concluded it appear likely that Andre will be on the move in January, with Anfield expected to be the player’s most likely destination.