Enzo Fernandez has the ‘qualities’ to adapt to life at Premier League giants Liverpool if he leaves Benfica following the Qatar World Cup, former Argentina international Enzo Perez tells Record.
Following Argentina’s 2-0 group-stage victory over Poland, Fernandez walked out of a post-match interview after being confused for his namesake Perez. Now, with Benfica’s former River Plate whizzkid making one hell of an impression over in Qatar, such mistakes are unlikely to be repeated.
Soon enough, everybody will know Enzo Fernandez’s name.
Liverpool hope to sign Argentina and Benfica ace Enzo Fernandez after the Qatar World Cup
He scored one of the goals of the tournament against Mexico. He orchestrated that Poland win. And he should be one of the first names on Scaloni’s team-sheet for the semi-final clash with Croatia.
Fernandez’s price-tag, meanwhile, has sky-rocketed as rapidly as his reputation. Benfica paid River Plate £18 million a few months ago, fighting off competition from Wolves. Fernandez is likely to command a nine-figure sum these days; Benfica reluctant to sell for a penny less than his £103 million release clause.
Such an eye-watering price-tag is not putting Liverpool off however. Argentine publication La Capital believe that the Reds already have an agreement with the 21-year-old ‘genius’. O Jogo, meanwhile, insist that Liverpool will match any rival bids for a player labelled ‘extraordinary’ by former Anfield favourite Maxi Rodriguez.
‘I know him well’
“After the World Cup, he will think about what is best for him,” Enzo Perez adds when quizzed about whether his compatriot is ready for a big-money move to a bonafide European powerhouse.
‘I have no doubt that, due to his qualities (he can succeed). I know him well. I know very well that he will do things well, wherever he goes.
“When he left (River Plate), it didn’t take him long to adapt to Benfica. He quickly settled down (and started to do) what he wanted to do.
“If he decides to change leagues, obviously everything takes time. But let’s hope that the adaptation is as easy as possible, and that he continues to grow as a player.”
Liverpool also remain in the market for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. The Merseyside giants are also in talks with Enzo’s fellow World Cup semi-finalist Sofyan Amrabat (Sky).
Morocco will face France – England’s conquerors – on Wednesday. Amrabat’s Altas Lions have already beaten Portugal, Spain and Belgium en route to the last four. Furthermore, in Achraf Hakimi, they have one of the only players who could potentially keep up with Kylian Mbappe.
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