Sunderland and Brentford are the English clubs leading the race for André Luiz, with new information from Brazil reinforcing how competitive the situation around the Rio Ave winger has become.
According to GOAL journalist Raisa Simplicio, both clubs remain firmly attentive to the 23-year-old as January approaches, while interest continues to expand across Europe.
The report states that Rio Ave expect to receive around €15m for the attacker. The valuation reflects his growing importance in Portugal and the lack of urgency to sell. His contract runs until June 2029.
André Luiz has five goals and five assists from 15 league matches, numbers that have strengthened his profile with English recruitment departments. We explained who he is and how he plays earlier this year.
Sunderland and Brentford could face Marinakis issue
While Sunderland and Brentford headline the English interest, the situation is complicated by competition elsewhere.
GOAL explain that Porto, Benfica and Sporting are all tracking the winger closely. Their involvement raises the possibility of a domestic solution in Portugal if the price is met.
There is also a wider ownership context. Rio Ave are part of the group controlled by Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos. That structure gives the Portuguese club additional security in negotiations and reinforces their firm stance on valuation.
For Sunderland and Brentford, the challenge is now clear. The player fits the physical and technical profile admired in English football. But the presence of powerful rivals suggests any move will require conviction and decisive action.
