“To develop”- Benfica manager does not see Liverpool’s summer target leaving in January

Benfica gaffer Roger Schmidt does not see Enzo Fernandez leaving the Portuguese outfit after the World Cup

As reported by Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Liverpool.com), SL Benfica manager Roger Schmidt does not see Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez leaving the club after the World Cup later this year. The 21-year-old has been vital to Benfica’s UCL charge this season.

The Argentina international has been on the radar of Liverpool and many envisioned the player moving to the club, as early as the January transfer window. The central midfielder though, according to his manager’s words, is not expected to switch clubs.

Fernandez has a buyout clause in his contract worth €120m. Moreover, his contract with the club lasts until the summer of 2027

. Hence, financially, it would not be an easy task for Liverpool to lure the player out of Lisbon.

In 17 appearances this season, the midfielder has three goals and two assists to his name. With his versatility, he could prove to be a good fit for most clubs – including the Reds, where Klopp has shown he likes his players to be positionally versatile.

In his short spell at the club, he has managed to impress a lot of onlookers and has attracted interest from Europe’s elite as well. Here is what Schmidt had to say about Enzo leaving Benfica after the World Cup:

“I don’t foresee not having Enzo after the World Cup, he’s where he’s supposed to be to develop. It’s very good for him and for us if we stay a while longer at Benfica.”

Enzo at Liverpool

With the manager saying this, it comes as a major blow to Liverpool who are in desperate need of young midfielders. However, having said that, the club could also alternatively move for the midfielder next summer.

There are other multiple options the Reds could choose from as well, including the likes of Jude Bellingham and others. However, with the threat of Real Madrid looming over Liverpool’s chances of signing Bellingham, it is wise to look for alternatives.

With Enzo also in contention to play for Argentina in the World Cup, the player would have dedicated his entire focus to the same, instead of worrying about his future at the club. He has two caps for his national team and would be eager to add to the same.

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A starter-quality midfielder is needed by the Reds in the next transfer window, based on the current season’s performances. The ageing duo of James Milner and Jordan Henderson will not be able to handle crucial matches for the club, even though their services in the past years are valued to the utmost extent.