Liverpool have been handed something of a transfer blow as Benfica have revealed that there is no way for midfield starlet to depart in January for less than his 120m euro release clause after he shot to stardom with Argentina against Mexico.
Fernandez, who only joined Benfica in the summer, was linked with a move to both Manchester United and Liverpool while at River Plate. However, he has already began proving his worth for his new side, registering a goal and three assists in 13 Portuguese top-flight outings.
And the 21-year-old is also becoming increasingly prominent in the Argentine national team, coming off the bench to net his first goal for the Albiceleste in their 2-0 win over Mexico, a game that kept them at the World Cup following their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening clash.
However, Portuguese outlet Abola report that, despite his stock rising, Benfica have no intention of letting him depart in the January transfer window unless his 120m euro release clause is met, scrapping any idea that Liverpool may be able to snag him on a cut-price fee with the Reds reportedly interested.
First #FIFAWorldCup 🙌
First International Goal ⚽️And what a way for Enzo Fernandez to do it! 🔥#LetItFly with @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/kh9X6w8GpM
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
Fernandez is one of three players on Jurgen Klopp’s reported midfield wishlist, with England’s Jude Bellingham and Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo another two options, though it was thought that both would cost more than Fernandez.
Despite the Reds being up for sale as it stands, it is expected that money will be made available both in January and the summer to reinforce Klopp’s squad following their poor start to the Premier League season, but finding a solution to their midfield woes is looking increasingly unlikely to happen midway through the campaign.
