Manchester United have now hijacked Liverpool‘s deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023.
That is according to South American news outlet UOL, who believe Erik ten Hag has now overtaken Jürgen Klopp in the race to sign the Argentina international.
What’s the story?
Well, this is quite a significant development, and Bruno Andrade – who broke the news – believes Manchester United are also about to smash their record transfer fee.
As things stand, the £89m spent on Paul Pogba back in 2016 is Manchester United’s record signing, but UOL believe the Red Devils are now ready to meet Fernandez’s €120m (£106m) release clause.
It comes after Portuguese news outlet Record claimed that Liverpool had convinced the World Cup Silver Ball winner – awarded to the best young player of the tournament – to join them in January.
Therefore, this news – if true – will come as a real blow to the Reds, who are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements.
Benfica paid just €18m (£16m) to sign Fernandez from River Plate back in June, and now look set to make a massive profit on that investment just months later.
The 21-year-old has risen to fame after his exploits in Qatar, where he scored one goal and provided one assist as Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
How Liverpool have reacted to Manchester United development
UOL believe Liverpool would still like to sign Fernandez, but are now fully focused on bringing Jude Bellingham to Anfield.
The England international is described as the No.1 target for Klopp as he aims to inject a new lease of life into his midfield department, which has been left to rot after years of underinvestment from Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
Borussia Dortmund are said to want £130m for their No.22 after his rapid rise in football.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situations involving Fernandez and Bellingham, as anything could happen in 2023.
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