Liverpool and Chelsea are both trying to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica after his stunning World Cup campaign with Argentina.
Record in Portugal claimed that Jürgen Klopp had convinced the South American to join Liverpool after he received the Silver Ball in Qatar – given to the best young player at the tournament.
However, Chelsea seemed to be making more progress on the financial aspect of the deal, with Gianluca Di Marzio claiming that a €127m (£112m) deal was close.
Now, the Blues seem to have suffered a setback after Roger Schmidt – Manager of Benfica – shared an update.
What’s the story?
Well, the 55-year-old is furious with the manner in which one unnamed club has negotiated with Benfica.
According to Fabrizio Romano, it is Chelsea.
Schmidt said: “There is a club that wants him, they tried to attract him, but they know that they can only have him if they pay the clause.”
“It’s disrespectful to all of us, to Benfica, they’re driving the player crazy, they pretend they want to pay the clause and then they want to negotiate. I cannot accept what they are doing.”
It comes after the Evening Standard claimed that talks between Chelsea and Benfica over a deal for Fernandez had stalled, with Schmidt’s comments seemingly explaining the reason behind that breakdown.
Liverpool have chance to leapfrog Chelsea
In our view, it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will pay the money required to sign Fernandez.
However – from a political point of view, at least – Liverpool have a chance to leapfrog Chelsea in the race for the Argentina international if they negotiate professionally with Benfica.
A deal for Fernandez would go some distance in solving Liverpool’s lack of midfield options, which was exposed tremendously by Brentford on Monday as the Bees defeated the Reds by a 3-1 scoreline.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Fernandez saga, as we expect further developments to come.
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