Author: Amrit Santlani
The transfer window may have closed in the major European leagues, but that hasn’t stopped the big clubs from planning their next moves. Brazil continues to be a hotbed of talented players and some of Europe’s biggest clubs are on the lookout for prodigies such as Fluminense star André Trindade and Corinthians prodigy Gabriel Moscardo.
Brazilian clubs are also looking to strengthen and, in a bid to move off the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A, Coritiba have signed former Real Madrid academy striker Jese for two seasons.
After failing to get regular soccer at the Santiago Bernabéu, Jese left the club in 2016 and, after playing for PSG, Las Palmas, Stoke City, Real Betis and Sporting Club in Portugal, the Spanish striker was signed by Serie B side Sampdoria, where he hasn’t played since May.
The 30-year-old is looking to revive his career in Brazil, while Coritiba are trying to move off the bottom of the league standings. Jese could make his debut as early as September 15, when Bahia travel to Couto Pereira.
In addition, Barcelona and Chelsea are ready to compete for Corinthians’ Moscardo. The 17-year-old is highly rated by Deco, the club’s sporting director, who played a key role in signing Vitor Roque. It is known that Chelsea were close to completing a transfer for the teenager, but have since cooled their interest, which would give Barça the opportunity to make a late acquisition of the defensive midfielder.
Chelsea would have offered 21 million euros, plus another 4 million euros in variables and a percentage on a future sale, but Corinthians are expecting a fee of 30 million euros.
Another player who has been catching the eye with his performances is André Trindade, and Liverpool are on the hunt for Fluminense. According to a recent report, Jurgen Klopp has asked the club to sign the 22-year-old midfielder in January, and the Serie A side will probably demand that any suitors meet the £34 million release clause.
Fluminense president Mário Bittencourt: “We have an agreement with the player and his representatives that he will stay at the club until the end of the year at least. All the offers to sell it, the agents pass on to us. In the case of Liverpool, the club’s managing director contacted me directly”.
I replied that we’re not selling players at the moment, but we can organize a preliminary transfer so that André goes to them in January. Or we can come back to this conversation in December”.
The defensive midfielder has been influential for Fluminense in the league and Copa Libertadores, while Liverpool continue their search for a replacement for Fabinho.