Liverpool are interested in signing Argentina international and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
That is according to Record in Portugal, who believe Jürgen Klopp has spoken to the South American and convinced him to join the Reds.
90min add that Liverpool have held talks with Jorge Mendes – the agent of Fernandez.
Now, there has been another intriguing update.
What’s the story?
Well, Rui Costa – Director of Football at Benfica – has now told DAZN that Fernandez is allowed to leave, as the Portuguese giants are “willing to please the boy” by granting his wish.
However, the 50-year-old insisted that interested parties will have to pay his €120m (£106m) release clause.
As quoted by Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, the Portuguese footballing icon said: “We don’t want to give up Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to please the boy in the event of a €120m (£106m) offer.”
In addition to Liverpool, it has been said that Newcastle are also interested in signing the 21-year-old.
It was A Bola in Portugal who revealed that Benfica are concerned that the Magpies are now ready to pay that £106m release clause to sign Fernandez.
Interest in the £42,000-a-week Argentine has skyrocketed after he won the Silver Ball, given to the best young player at the World Cup, as he helped his country win the iconic tournament for a third time.
Liverpool must prioritise Bellingham over Fernandez
In our view, spending £106m on Fernandez would effectively mean Liverpool have no money left to fund a move for Jude Bellingham, as Borussia Dortmund are said to want £130m.
The England international is said to be Klopp’s No.1 target at Anfield, so the Reds should only make a move for the Benfica No.13 if it becomes apparent they have no chance of signing Bellingham.
Of course, you may be asking: why not both?
It is possible if Liverpool are taken over by a Saudi Arabian group, for example, but under Fenway Sports Group, the Reds have not been huge spenders without making a major sale first, so it seems unlikely.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen in 2023.
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