André Luiz is not yet a household name in English football, but Sunderland fans may want to start paying attention.
The 23-year-old Brazilian forward has been one of the standout performers in Portugal this season, and reports from ESPN Brazil claim Sunderland are keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of the January transfer window.
From Flamengo’s academy to Europe’s stage
Born in Rio de Janeiro and developed at América-RJ, André Luiz joined Flamengo’s academy in 2020 and reached the senior squad the following year. He admits those early days were intimidating.
“I looked at the players around me and thought, being this skinny, I had no chance,” he told O JOGO. “I was too weak for the first team and too good for the ‘B’ team. But one day I scored three goals, and I never left the main squad again.”
His only goal for Flamengo came in 2022. Real opportunities were limited, and by 2023 he decided to try Europe.
Adapting to Portugal and growing fast
Estrela da Amadora took him on loan, and it turned into a turning point. “I didn’t know what Portuguese football was like,” he said. “I only knew Benfica, Porto and Sporting. Then I played a friendly against Estoril and was shocked by the intensity. It was all so fast.”
Despite those early challenges, André Luiz thrived. Estrela bought him outright after a solid season (41 matches, six goals and one assist) before Rio Ave, owned by Nottingham Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis, paid €2.2m (£1.8m) in early 2025 to secure his signature.
The best moment of his career
Since then, he has grown quickly. From January to May 2025, he managed two goals and one assist; this season, he already has four goals and three assists in eight league games. One of them was a stunning stoppage-time equaliser in José Mourinho’s Benfica debut that made headlines across Portugal.
In another interview, André Luiz described this as “the best moment of my career”. He credits his current coach for much of that progress: “We spoke during pre-season, and he told me what he wanted. He gave me confidence and even set me a goal tally. I promised him dinner if I reach it.”
Direct, physical and confident
Standing 1.85m tall and weighing 79kg, André Luiz is a left-footed forward who also plays as a second striker. He relies on pace, power and timing rather than tricks. His control in tight spaces, strong runs into the box and clean finishing make him effective on either flank.
“Last year I was missing confidence,” he admitted. “Now I analyse my games, I try to keep the ball longer, and I’ve improved with the help of the team.”
Why Sunderland are watching closely
Valued at £2.1m (€2.5m) and under contract until 2028, he represents a smart market opportunity. Sunderland, currently enjoying a strong Premier League campaign, are always alert to emerging talent.
And if André Luiz keeps delivering on the promise he shows in Portugal, Wearside could soon be home to another hard-working, fearless Brazilian making his name in England.
