enzo-fernandez-argentina
Manchester United are reportedly ‘overtaking’ Liverpool in the race to sign Benfica and Argentina central midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The Lowdown: In demand
Fernandez is certainly a player in high demand heading into the January transfer window, with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Foot Mercato) reporting that the Red Devils, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Paris-Saint Germain, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Inter Milan, have all ‘sounded out’ the representatives of Fernandez as they hold agent talks over a potential move.
Further reports from Portugal have even claimed that Liverpool have already reached an agreement with Fernandez’s agent over a move, and are now the ‘priority’.
The Latest: United ‘overtaking’ Liverpool
Taking to Twitter, journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that United are now ‘overtaking’ Liverpool in the race to sign Fernandez, and there are ‘ongoing conversations’ between all parties over a possible switch to Old Trafford:
“Manchester United are overtaking Liverpool in the race for Enzo Fernández. There are already ongoing conversations between all involved. Red Devils are even willing to beat the 120 M clause € and avoid any competition.”
The Verdict: Big statement
The fact that Erik ten Hag’s side have seemingly moved ahead in the race for Fernandez is a big statement from the club to their rivals.
Lauded as a ‘beast‘ by CBS Sports broadcaster Ives Galarcep after winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, the 21-year-old also won the Young Player Award at the tournament, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).
At club level with Benfica, Fernandez ranks in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the past year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per match (FBRef).
Nonetheless, the fact that the Red Devils are willing to pay his whopping €120m (£105.8m) release clause shows just how rightly they rate him, and it could certainly be a deal that could pay itself off over the next few years.
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