Since joining the senior team in 2022, Fluminense’s Alexsander has been catching the eyes of European clubs as a ‘wildcard’ option.
Another ‘cria de Xerém’, the term given to the players who start training with Fluminense from a young age, is looking to be a promising bet to secure a move in the next couple of transfer windows.
The midfielder became a centrepiece for Fluminense due to his versatility and dedication in the heart of the action, earning praise from Fluminense’s ex-manager, Fernando Diniz, who called Alexsander a ‘great talent’.
However, his path to stardom has not always been smooth, Having once been dismissed by Fluminense, he is seen as a perfect example of resilience and determination - two qualities required if he is to succeed in Europe.
Alexsander: Rising to the challenge
Born in 2003 in Rio de Janeiro, Alexsander began playing football at a young age within his local community.
His talent quickly caught his football teacher’s eye, which led the nimble midfielder to first play futsal. Soon enough, his mother took him to a trial for Fluminense’s youth academy at the age of 11.
Alexsander impressed, and began transitioning to football, as his family invested in his development to become a professional footballer.
In an interview, his mother, Lidiane Ângelo, described their routine leaving the house at 6.30am and returning from Xerém at midnight.
She also said that she would take Alexsander in the beginning but due to the lack of financial resources, the midfielder started doing the journey on his own despite the young age.
However, by the age of 14 he received news Flu no longer wanted him. But he decided he wasn’t done with the club yet - an attitude we still see in his game today.
Alexsander returned to his roots and tried out for Fluminense’s futsal team, where he immediately impressed, and was brought on board and adopted the number 10 role.
After one remarkable season back in futsal, Alexsander had convinced the club they had made a mistake and he went back to Xerém, receiving high recognition for his improvements by the team’s management.
As with many youngsters looking to break through, Alexsander was forced to start out at left-back upon returning to the club.
However, at the request of then-coach Eduardo Torres, he was moved into various midfield positions, developing his skills and earning the “wildcard” title in the process for his adaptability and futsal beginnings.
This is where Alexsander seized his opportunity when an injury in the Under 17 category opened a spot for him.
He entered the field and never looked back, winning the Brazilian Championship that effectively guaranteed his spot in the Under 20 category in 2018.
Fast forward a few years to 2022, and then-manager Fernando Diniz recognised his potential after winning the category’s championship, ‘Copinha’ - Alexsander slowly started to work his way into the senior team.
Since, he earned Diniz’s trust and recognition as a valuable player for Fluminense. Alexsander has still filled in at left-back on occasions, but midfield is where he truly comes alive.
The ‘Wildcard’
Alexsander has always expressed his preference is to play as a midfielder, where he believes he can provide more support to both defence and attack.
In an interview, the young Brazilian said: “I feel more comfortable as a midfielder as I can win the ball back in key areas and break the opponent's play.”
Despite his preference, he also added: "I feel very comfortable helping Fluminense in whatever position I am in. The important thing is to play well".
Regardless of his role, his versatility and commitment are key attributes for a player aspiring to excel in European football.
Able to operate as a number six, the Brazilian has shown a willingness to support his teammates in the final third, adding assists to his game. Due to his experience as a left-back, Alexsander is comfortable drifting into that space, often looking to find his strikers in attacking positions. This year, he’s added assists to his game, which will certainly please suitors looking on.
Europe’s monitoring
Since winning a spot in Fluminense’s senior team, Alexsander has been monitored by several European clubs.
The early interest came from the City Group, Braga as well as several Spanish clubs, attracted by his versatility. It’s worth noting he’s still contracted with Flu until 2026, and teams will need to pay if they are to prize him away from Brazil.
With Alexsander continuing to impress on the pitch as he racks up more minutes, the club is expecting double digits if they are to sell him. As a player who has great technical potential, this may increase his valuation if he continues his upward trajectory.
Alexsander was a key player as Fluminense lifted the Libertadores title for the first time, who also made an appearance in the Club World Cup final against Manchester City.
Proving himself in key battles in these kind of matches, it may only be a matter of time before Fluminense’s next promising midfielder will leave to test himself in Europe.
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