When is the Copa Liberatadores final? – Liverpool target set for showdown
Liverpool target Andre Trindade is primed for a perfect ending to his Fluminense career, having reached the Copa Libertadores final.
The 22-year-old was a summer target as the Reds navigated their midfield rebuild. However, Fluminense ultimately refused to allow their number seven to leave while the club still had a shot at continental glory.
Though summer represents the off-season in most European football, the South American calendar is quite different and Liverpool's approach for Andre arrived smack bang in their pursuit of the Brazilian season and, crucially, Copa Libertadores campaign.
The Copa Libertadores is South America's equivalent of the Champions League and a competition that has eluded Fluminense so far in their history.
However, with the Rio-club moving steadily through the rounds, president Mario Bittencourt refused to entertain an exit for a key player while it might risk derailing their shot at a first crown.
Speaking last month Bittencourt told ESPN Brasil : "Liverpool's Chief Executive [Billy Hogan] contacted me directly. I replied to him: 'My friend, I don't sell players now and I don't deliver them now.
"If you want to buy now, and only get the player in January, we can start talking... Or if you want to wait until December, we can talk in December."
READ MORE: Andre Trindade – Is the midfielder ready to become Fabinho's successor at Liverpool?
Liverpool subsequently dropped their pursuit of Andre and ended the transfer window with the signings of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch. However, concerns remain that the Reds are light on defensive-minded midfielders.
Anfield Watch has reported that Andre is still hoping for a Liverpool move in the January window, while it is expected that Fluminense will sell the Brazil international once their Copa Libertadores campaign ends and the transfer window re-opens.The final then could Andre's big send-off as a Flu player.
When is the Copa Libertadores final?
Having beaten fellow Brazilian side Internacional over two legs in the semi finals earlier this month, Andre's Fluminense booked a date with Argentine giants Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final.
The final is set for Satrurday, November 4 at the famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio – which also serves as Fluminense's home ground.
How to watch on TV?
For Liverpool fans looking to get a better look at Andre, the final will be broadcast in various places depending on your location.
In the US, Canada and Australia the Copa Libertadores final between Fluminense and Boca will be available to watch on beIN Sports.
In the UK, last year's final was made available on the BBC on iPlayer.
Those watching in South America can find the game on ESPN.
Highlights of Copa Libertadores games will be available on the league's official YouTube channel.
Will Liverpool sign Andre?
That is the big question.
With the January transfer window just over 11 weeks away, plans are surely already being drawn up by Liverpool's recruitment chiefs.
While Anfield Watch understands that reinforcing the defence will be the priority in 2024, that doesn't mean a move for Andre can be ruled out.Jurgen Klopp has persisted with Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool's deepest-lying midfielder for most the season so far, though the position is not a natural fit for the World Cup winner.
With Thiago still injured and likely to leave on a free next summer, there could be space for another central midfield operator in the squad and Andre could be an enticing opportunity.
Already a full Brazil international, the 22-year-old was rated at around £25m over the summer – a figure which would represent a record sale for Fluminense, but a potential bargain for a club like Liverpool.
In addition, the likes of Fulham and West Ham have also been linked.