Manchester United have reportedly overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign in-demand Benfica midfielder and Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
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 21-year-old midfielder curled into the top corner late on to ensure Argentina won a match they desperately needed to – and he went on to play an instrumental role in landing the nation’s first World Cup title since 1986.
The holding midfielder did not feature from the start in either of his nation’s opening two World Cup games but was included in the line-ups for each of the next five matches, including the dramatic final victory over France. So instrumental was Fernandez in the midfield that he was handed the trophy for the Best Young Player at the World Cup.
Reports earlier this month suggested Liverpool had reached a ‘pre-contract agreement’ to sign the 21-year-old midfielder, although a number of other leading clubs are interested in his signature – including United.
Central midfield remains a priority position for the Red Devils to strengthen despite the additions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen this summer, with question marks over the long-term future of Fred in Erik ten Hag’s plans. Fernandez has a profile that is similar to one the club are prioritising and Portuguese-language outlet UOL Esporte claims talks are ongoing between United and the player.
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.
Have Your Say! Which club should sign Fernandez in 2023? Tell us what you think here.
Fernandez primarily plays at the base of a three-man midfield for Argentina, while has has also featured in Benfica’s 4-2-3-1 formation. He is known more for his technique and range of passing rather than tackling ability, with his positional sense and tactical awareness highly-rated.
Fernandez only joined the Portuguese giants this summer for a €10million (£8.9million) fee plus €8m (£7.1m) in add-ons from Argentine giants River Plate. He made his senior club debut in 2020 and was brought into the international set-up for the first time in September.
The midfielder’s rise to prominence has been notable and Benfica have inserted a £106million release clause into his contract. Such a hefty price tag is designed to detract potential suitors while it will complicate any pursuit for clubs also budgeting for other top-level talents.
Liverpool signed striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica earlier this year in what could be a club-record deal - a £64.2million (€75m) fee up front plus a series of add-ons. The Portuguese club are renowned for signing players – often from South America – at affordable prices before making big profits in selling them on to richer clubs.
