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Crystal Palace supporters may soon hear plenty more about André Luiz, the Corinthians midfielder now being followed by the Eagles. The 19-year-old is a high-energy number eight who could give Palace some bits of Adam Wharton, Cheick Doucouré and Jefferson Lerma in the same player. That does not mean André has reached their level already. He remains young, raw in some areas and would need time to adapt. His skill set, though, explains why Palace have taken a serious look at him. The Brazilian combines Wharton’s comfort under pressure, Doucouré’s ball-winning and Lerma’s physical presence. He can also carry the ball forward and arrive inside the opposition box. What type of midfielder is he? André Luiz is mainly a box-to-box midfielder. He plays with intensity, covers plenty of ground and likes to get involved at both ends. Without the ball, he presses aggressively and looks to recover possession high up the pitch. His height, long stride and physical strength help him compete around the edge of the penalty area. He is also capable of moving the team forward after winning possession. André protects the ball well, can escape pressure in tight areas and is happy to carry it through midfield. | League 2026 | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| | Appearances | 17 | | | | | Started | 12 | | | | | Minutes per game | 59 | | | | | Total minutes played | 1008 | | | | | Goals | 3 | | | | | Assists | 2 | | | | That is where the Wharton comparison comes in. André is not the same kind of passer, but he shares the England international’s calmness when opponents close him down. André also likes duels, covers space quickly and can interrupt counter-attacks before they develop. He has the size, energy and combative edge to make himself felt in midfield. Plus, he can also step forward and offer a threat around the box. More than a defensive midfielder André Luiz has seven goals and two assists from 46 senior appearances. Those numbers show he does more than simply protect the defence. He times some of his forward runs well and is willing to shoot from medium or short range. Corinthians have mainly used him as a second midfielder, closer to a traditional number eight than a sitting number six. His versatility could also appeal to Palace. André played as an attacking midfielder and right-back during his academy development, which helped build his tactical understanding. Comparisons with Paul Pogba The midfielder has previously mentioned Paul Pogba as an inspiration. He played down the physical comparison in an interview with Globo Esporte in 2025, but accepted their running styles and long strides have some similarities. There has been a dip in his performances over recent months. That is hardly shocking for a teenager who has only been playing senior football since September 2025. A proposed move to AC Milan also collapsed in February, which may have affected him. The Italians had been prepared to pay €17m (£14.7m), but Corinthians eventually blocked the transfer. Why Crystal Palace could suit him In Brazil, Trivela believe André Luiz appears naturally suited to English football. His game is built around transitions, pressure, physical battles and carrying the ball at speed. At Selhurst Park, André would not need to become the main man immediately. But of course Palace have also shown they can develop brilliant players. Also, João Gomes, Douglas Luiz, Andrey Santos and Bruno Guimarães have all used Premier League football to strengthen their international cases. André would hope to follow a similar route. What Corinthians want Corinthians want €18m (£15.6m) plus €4m (£3.5m) in bonuses. That price may look low for a player with his profile, but the Brazilian club’s financial problems have left them needing a major sale. As we covered earlier, André’s representatives are already in Europe trying to develop interest. Crystal Palace have done their homework by sending a scout to watch him. What they would be buying is not a finished midfielder. They would be betting on a powerful, adaptable and technically capable teenager whose attributes could eventually cover several different jobs in Oliver Glasner’s midfield.