Fluminense team-mate and Real Madrid legend Marcelo is convinced Andre Trindade is ready for a move to Europe with Premier League giants Manchester United reportedly in the race now.
Just 24 hours after Andre spoke openly about his admiration for Casemiro, reports suggesting that the former could take the latter’s place in the heart of the Manchester United midfield intensified (ESPN Brasil).
United, talkSPORT say, are open to offers for Casemiro in the New Year, Saudi Arabian interest in an ageing enforcer who’s trademark ferocity appears to have been diminished by the sands of time. Andre, a decade Casemiro’s junior, certainly has the skillset and the potential to fill the veteran’s shoes, with 90Min reporting that United’s pursuit of the Copa Libertadores winner is dependent on whether their £70 million acquisition departs just 18 months or so after he arrived at Old Trafford.
Andre Trindade could replace Casemiro
Marcelo played alongside Casemiro at Real Madrid, and Andre at Fluminense.
And one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the game has no doubt that Andre is ready to follow in Casemiro’s footsteps this side of the Atlantic.
“Three players who caught my attention when I arrived at Fluminense: John Kennedy, Matheus Martinelli, and Andre,” Marcelo tells the Charla podcast. “They don’t panic. They get the ball from the defence and dribble away.”
Marcelo is a source worth listening to when trying to gauge the extent of Andre’s potential. A five-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid, Marcelo knows what it takes to reach the very top of the European game, having shared a dressing room with such generation-defining talents as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and the man who currently wears the number 18 shirt at Manchester United.
Andre, who turned down a move to Liverpool over the summer, is likely to be available for £30 million in January.
Manchester United keen
“I think every player one day dreams of playing for a big club in Europe, in a big league,” Andre tells Globo Esporte, explaining his Liverpool snub in comments which will only serve to endear him to the United supporters.
“But I decided to keep my word because (coach Fernando) Diniz told me that he wanted me here until the end of the year. We didn’t know that an offer of this value would arrive. I told him that, regardless of what happened, I would be there until the end of the season.
“It was a very difficult decision to make.”
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