Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest could face a much bigger bill if they decide to return for André Luiz in the coming transfer windows.
The Corinthians midfielder attracted interest from both Premier League clubs during the summer. Forest even made an offer, but neither managed to sign him.
Now, after a strong run of performances and his first call-up to Brazil’s senior squad, Corinthians are raising their expectations.
The Brazilian club reportedly want at least €30m (£26m) for the 20-year-old. That’s quite a jump from the figures being discussed just a couple of months ago.
Corinthians see chance to push André’s price up
According to RTI Esporte, Corinthians believe André Luiz’s recent progress gives them a good opportunity to demand more money.
The midfielder has earned his first Brazil call-up under Carlo Ancelotti, who selected him for November’s friendlies against Japan and Singapore.
Interestingly, Corinthians initially considered trying to prevent him from joining the national squad. That idea was dropped after discussions with the Brazilian FA. The club eventually decided the experience would benefit both André and themselves.
For the player, it’s a chance to get involved at international level and continue his development.
For Corinthians, there’s another obvious benefit. A Brazil international with good performances behind him should be easier to sell for a higher fee.
That’s the thinking, anyway. RTI Esporte say the club now expect offers of at least €30m (£26m), even with January generally being a quieter window for big transfers.
It’s a pretty ambitious figure considering what happened during the summer.
Forest offered €12m – Palace also watched him
Nottingham Forest made the most concrete move for André Luiz in August, offering €12m (£10.4m). Corinthians turned that down and sent back a counterproposal.
Talks continued for a while, with the possibility of André joining Forest in January. The move eventually collapsed.
André’s agent Diogo Silva later revealed that Forest had chosen to sign Gustavo Puerta instead. The Colombian joined from Racing Santander for €16m (£13.9m) before moving to Olympiacos.
Crystal Palace were also keeping an eye on André during the summer. They sent a representative to watch him play against Remo in July, when he provided an assist in a 3-0 Corinthians win. Later, the Eagles’ head scout in South America confirmed their interest.
There was no known Palace offer, though, and neither English club is currently reported to be negotiating for him. RTI Esporte specifically say there are no active talks over André’s future.
Still, the new asking price gives an idea of what either club might face if their interest returns.
André giving Corinthians reasons to ask for more
The midfielder has certainly helped his case on the pitch. After recovering from injury and returning to the starting XI, André Luiz has become an important part of Corinthians’ attempt to move away from the relegation places.
He’s made 41 appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. More recently, he has started six consecutive matches and played the full 90 minutes against Vasco da Gama and Mirassol.
Those performances have now earned him a place in Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
André remains under contract until December 2029, so Corinthians aren’t under immediate pressure to sell because of his contract situation.
They’ve also had plenty of time to think about their previous decisions. AC Milan came close to signing him earlier this year, only for Corinthians president Osmar Stabile to pull out of the deal. Forest’s approach then ended without an agreement.
Well, now the club believe André is worth considerably more.
