Liverpool reach agreement to sign 21-year-old South American midfield star
Liverpool have reached a deal in agreement to recruit 21-year-old South American midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and Argentina.
After shining for club and country since moving to the Estadio da Luz in the summer, the 21-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after lynchpins.
Fernandez rose through the ranks at River Plate before joining Benfica for €12 million (£10.3 million), where he has three goals and five assists in 24 games across all competitions.
The midfielder’s form earned him a position in Argentina’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, and he received a lot of praise for his exploits in Qatar, where he scored one goal and set up another in five matches.
- Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino Faces Two-Fold Romelu Lukaku Dilemma Following England Display
- Arsenal Yet to Initiate Jorginho Contract Talks as Agent Risks Ire of Club Bosses Once More
- Second Arsenal Player ‘Axed’ by Edu Despite Earlier Praise from Mikel Arteta
- Chelsea Facing Potential World-Record Transfer Fee to Replace Star Causing Headaches for Pochettino
- Chelsea Could Face Pressure to Reveal Details of Roman Abramovich’s Transfers
Fernandez’s exploits have helped the Copa America champions reach the competition’s semi-finals, and he is anticipated to start when Argentina takes on Croatia in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Liverpool has been tipped as one of the frontrunners to recruit Fernandez in 2023, with Manchester United and Real Madrid also keeping an eye on developments.
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 cost a sum of €100 million (£86 million).
According to La Capital, Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle to sign Fernandez at the end of the season, fending off interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.
The report states that Liverpool ‘did not hesitate’ to make a move for Fernandez following his exploits in Qatar, and he will join the Anfield giants 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 huge midfield overhaul for the Reds next season.
- Arsenal Star Spotted Partying Until 4am Ahead of Crucial Man City Clash
- Noni Madueke Claims Former Chelsea Player, Now Free Agent, Is Even Better Than
- Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino Faces Two-Fold Romelu Lukaku Dilemma Following England Display
- Maguire, Shaw, Martinez: Manchester United’s Injury Update and Return Dates Ahead of Brentford Clash
- Man Utd Could Soon Unleash Another Kobbie Mainoo, Already Training Under Erik ten Hag
Jurgen Klopp resisted making a big-money midfield addition in the most recent transfer window, although Arthur joined on loan from Juventus despite a run of midfield injuries.
However, the Brazilian is still awaiting his Premier League debut following thigh surgery, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both free agents at the end of the season.
Liverpool were anticipated to prioritize a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, but the Reds are unlikely to pursue a transfer a £100m+ move for the England international should they fork out a hefty amount on the signing of Fernandez.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be Liverpool’s major rivals for Bellingham’s signature, with the Ligue 1 champions having made contact with Dortmund about a possible deal.
Liverpool returned to play on Sunday, losing 3-1 to Lyon in the first of two games in the Dubai Super Cup, in which they will also face AC Milan on Friday before returning to Merseyside.
Klopp’s team returns to competitive action on December 22 against Manchester City in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, followed by a Boxing Day Premier League match against Aston Villa.