Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Graham Potter’s Chelsea not to sign Liverpool transfer target Enzo Fernandez amid rumours Todd Boehly would be willing to pay the Benfica midfielder’s release clause.
The World Cup winner with Argentina has a £106 million release clause in his contract and Agbonlahor thinks it’s ‘desperation’ from Chelsea if they sign him during the January transfer window.
Those in London aren’t the only ones keen on the 21-year-old because Jurgen Klopp, after signing Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, is also keen on refreshing his midfield with Fernandez a target.
Many Liverpool fans felt that the midfield was Liverpool’s biggest area of concern and that’s the position they were going to strengthen first.
That’s clearly not the case, but still, it’s a positive sign that FSG are still willing to spend despite putting the club up for sale.
Whilst World Cup tax has clearly been added to Fernandez’s name, Agbonlahor made it clear that he wasn’t that great that he should be leaving for over £100 million, as he told talkSPORT.
“I did like him,” said Agbonlahor. “When he scored that goal (against Mexico). Outstanding goal into the top corner. Watching him and he looked so composed, didn’t he?!
“And in such big games. Getting on the ball. Something I thought they missed during their first couple of games.
“But £105 million? I don’t think you can pay that off a World Cup. I don’t think he was outstanding. He looked nice on the ball. He was aggressive and he did well for the team. A decent player, but maybe it’s the age?
“When players are so young and he is 21. And there is desperation. But for me, I wouldn’t pay it.”
CHELSEA AND LIVERPOOL SHOULD STAY AWAY
There will be some who will claim that Enzo Fernandez should be snapped in January because someone else will take him in the summer.
Gakpo’s transfer would be used as an example because Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were keen on the player, but the difference here is that only £37 million was paid for the PSV star.
For over £100 million, whilst Fernandez is a talent and a rising star, there are better fish to catch.
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