Argentina World Cup winning star Enzo Fernandez is the subject of a great deal of transfer speculation, with Manchester United and Liverpool among the clubs interested in the Benfica midfielder.
Fernandez caught the eye in Qatar, where he scored a brilliant goal in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico during the group stage. The midfielder only won his first international cap in September and his introduction into the starting line-up from the third group game onwards transformed Lionel Scaloni’s side.
The 21-year-old was included in the starting XI for each subsequent match for Argentina in the tournament including the dramatic final victory over France and he was named as the Young Player of the Tournament in testament to his fine displays.
The Benfica midfielder has no shortage of suitors with United reportedly overtaking Liverpool in a move for the player. That follows a report that suggested Liverpool had reached a ‘pre-contract agreement’ with the player, but the race is still very much on.
Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte claims talks are ongoing between United and the player as Fernandez fits the profile of midfielder that the club are looking to add to their squad. It would follow the summer arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the club’s midfield.
Fernandez is primarily a defensive midfielder but he is known more for his range of passes and providing the base for attacking plays and offensive team structure, rather than a traditional role of sitting in front of a defence.
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The midfielder’s rise to prominence has been notable and Benfica have already inserted a £106million release clause into his contract having signed him from River Plate earlier this year. The player has already spoken about the impact that links to top clubs have had on his career.
Speaking to TyC Sports earlier this year when he was still a River Plate player, Fernandez explained when quizzed about how he was handling reports of a transfer amid interest from clubs such as United: “Calmly, humbly, with a low profile. I try to work day by day to keep improving and growing.
“Luckily I’m finding regularity, continuity and my teammates and the coaching staff help me a lot. I handle it well. I’m grateful for the compliments, I read a lot of the messages they send and I’m happy. I will continue on this path.”
Liverpool are also maintaining a significant interest in the Argentine having missed out on landing Aurelien Tchouameni, who joined Real Madrid from Monaco last summer. The Reds are also keeping tabs on the situation of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is being chased by a host of Europe’s top clubs.
