According to the Portuguese newspaper Record (via Liverpool Echo), Benfica are neither interested in or ready to sell midfielder and Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez during the forthcoming January transfer window.
According to the report, while the Reds are leading the battle among Premier League teams to recruit the Argentina international, the Portuguese giants regard the player as a crucial element of the group and will not negotiate a January exit.
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 fantastic first half of the season, scoring three goals and assisting five in 24 appearances across all competitions. He is a fantastic box-to-box midfielder who is also adept moving forward and has an excellent feel of cutting down opposition attacks.
Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, Liverpool may benefit from a midfielder with the similar profile as Fernandez. He is youthful, active, and has the potential to be a great midfielder for Jurgen Klopp.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds will spend such a large fee to sign the 21-year-old or wait until the summer to sign Jude Bellingham, who, let’s be honest, isn’t any cheaper.
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!
