Liverpool are poised to make what is described as a ‘monster’ bid for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
The midfielder has reportedly been catching Liverpool’s eye since before the tournament even began. And now as per journalist Gianluca Di Marzio writing for Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the Reds are ready to make the next move.
It’s claimed that despite ‘half of Europe’ wanting Fernandez, Liverpool are leading the way. They’re said to be ready to ‘get serious’ with the 21-year-old by submitting a huge bid to Benfica.
The numbers behind the bid aren’t specified here. But what is indicated is that the player is very keen to join the Reds. Fernandez is reportedly placing Liverpool above all other interested clubs right now.
Liverpool looking to repeat Nunez template
This is a pretty big development from a source who tends to be very well connected in the transfer market.
Over the last weeks, Liverpool’s rumoured interest in Fernandez has rumbled along. With the midfielder winning the Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup, his stock has never been higher. Even Lionel Messi called him ‘spectacular’ via Sportskeeda.
In windows gone by, that’s the kind of thing that would have completely put Liverpool off. But now, it seems as though the Reds are ready to strike fast to ward off other clubs.
Quite what their ‘monster’ bid would be remains to be seen. It has been well reported that Fernandez has a release clause of over £100m.
Yesterday, Fabrizio Romano indicated that he expected Benfica to hold out for payment of that clause in full.
However, given that Liverpool have pretty good relations with the Portuguese club, maybe an agreement can be reached. Darwin Nunez had a similarly high clause last summer, and the two teams were eventually able to reach a compromise.
In the Nunez deal, the key part appeared to be the player’s willingness to join Liverpool. There were other interested clubs, but the 23-year-old wanted his Anfield move. This no doubt led to a more agreeable solution being found.
If Di Marzio is correct, then Fernandez has had his head turned in similar fashion. From that point on, you’d expect Liverpool to be able to hammer out a deal. Exciting times!
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