According to reports, Liverpool have signed an agreement in principle with Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Since his summer move to Estadio da Luz, the 21-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after hubs, having previously played for clubs and countries.
Fernandez rose through the ranks at River Plate before joining Benfica for €12 million. He has three goals and five assists in 24 games for the Eagles in all tournaments since then.
The midfielder’s form has won him a spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad for 2022, and he has received significant appreciation for his performances in Qatar, where he scored one goal and assisted on another in five games.
Fernandez’s heroics helped the Copa America champions reach the competition’s semi-finals, and he is expected to start when Argentina takes on Croatia on Tuesday. Liverpool are among the frontrunners to recruit Fernandez in 2023, with Manchester United and Real Madrid anticipated to follow suit.
According to a recent source, Liverpool has made contact with Benfica about signing the 21-year-old, who is under contract with Benfica until 2027 and may command a sum of €100 million (£86 million).
According to La Capital, Liverpool have agreed in principle to sign Fernandez at the end of the season, deflecting interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.
According to the source, Liverpool “didn’t hesitate” to make a bid for Fernandez following his heroics in Qatar, and he will join the Reds in the summer of 2023.
While at River Plate, Fernandez won the Copa Sudamericana, Recopa Sudamericana, and the Argentine top division, and he might be part of a significant midfield overhaul for the Reds next season. Jürgen Klopp was anticipated to make a significant midfield signing in the final transfer window, but Arthur joined Juventus on loan amid a slew of midfield injuries.
However, after undergoing thigh surgery, the Brazilian is still awaiting his Premier League debut, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could both depart on free transfers at the conclusion of the season.
Liverpool were anticipated to prioritize a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, but the Reds are unlikely to pursue a £100 million+ deal for the England international if they spend big on Fernandez.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be Liverpool’s major opponents for Bellingham’s signature, with the Ligue 1 champions having approached Dortmund about a possible deal.
Liverpool returned to action on Sunday, losing 3-1 to Lyon in the first of two Dubai Super Cup fixtures, where they will also face AC Milan before returning to Merseyside on Friday. Klopp’s team will play Manchester City in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on 22 December, followed by a Premier League meeting at Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
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