Benfica not interested in letting go of Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez
According to Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Liverpool Echo), Benfica are not interested or ready to part ways with midfielder and Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez during the upcoming January transfer window.
The report states that although the Reds are leading the race among the Premier League clubs to sign the Argentina international, the Portuguese giants deem the player to be an important member of the squad and won’t negotiate an exit in January.
Fernandez was having a great season for Benfica already, but his wonder strike to seal the victory against Mexico in a must-win World Cup further fueled the attraction towards him from top European clubs.
The 21-year-old arrived in Benfica this summer from River Plate and has a contract with the Portuguese club till the summer of 2027 (Transfermarkt). So, it makes sense as to why the last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists are not interested in letting him go after only half the season with them.
But, the report also states that the player has a release clause of €120m. Hence, if any club is interested, then they have to pay the release clause and get him in January.
Fernandez had a great first half of the season, where he scored three goals and assisted five in 24 appearances in all competitions. He is a great box-to-box midfielder who is good going forward and also has a great sense of cutting out opposition attacks.
On the evidence of what we have seen so far in this campaign, Liverpool could actually do with a midfielder of the same profile as Fernandez. He is young, energetic and has the quality to be an ideal Jurgen Klopp midfielder.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds would pay such a high amount to sign the 21-year-old or wait to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer, who, let’s be honest, isn’t any cheaper.
More Liverpool News:
- Matthew Upson slams Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez for Uruguay performance against Portugal
- Liverpool have rejected the chance to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard
- Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes England manager Gareth Southgate does not trust Trent Alexander-Arnold
Well, we would not mind if we somehow find the money to sign both as we need more than one body in midfield. It is unrealistic though!