Liverpool transfer target Enzo Fernandez could have become a Manchester City player before he joined Benfica last summer.
That's according to City Football Group director Joan Patsy, who has revealed that the Sky Blues were closing in on a deal for the Argentina star before having a change of heart.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo has claimed that the World Cup's Young Player of the Tournament favours a move to Anfield, after seeing his stock rise significantly following his performances in Qatar. The report also states that the Reds will match any other offers made for the 21-year-old in an attempt to fend off competition.
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Fernandez only moved to Benfica last summer from River Plate, in a deal that cost an initial €10m plus €8m in potential add-ons. But according to City director Patsy, Fernandez could easily have become a member of Pep Guardiola's squad.
Speaking to Què T’hi Jugues, he said: “Manchester City could’ve signed Enzo Fernández, but what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad?
"He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica, but we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play.”
City's failure to sign the Argentinian leaves the door open for Liverpool, but any move for Fernandez will come at a premium. Benfica are rumoured to have a release clause in his contract that is in excess of €100million.
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