Premier League ‘sharks’ told to make Enzo Fernandez most expensive Argentine ever

Robin Bairner

• 3 Dec 2022 10:58 GMT
• 3 min read

Benfica have told Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City that they will have to make Enzo Fernandez the most expensive Argentine player in history if they want to sign the 21-year-old.

Fernandez has been one of the breakout stars of European football this season, turning out 24 times for Benfica so far this season and providing three goals and five assists in that time.

World Cup 2022 has further bolstered his reputation, as he has played a major role in Argentina’s recovery after losing their opening match to Saudi Arabia. Indeed, he netted a vital goal against Mexico.

MORE: Why Man Utd, Liverpool and Barcelona transfer target Enzo Fernandez is worth €120m

He is continuing the Portuguese side’s well-established tradition of unearthing gems and polishing them ready to be sold to clubs in Europe’s Big 5 leagues, with Darwin Nunez the latest example as he made a €100 million move to Liverpool last summer.

Fernandez, though, is set to cost even more than the Uruguay international, with Benfica having little intention of allowing the player they picked up in the summer from River Plate for just €12m to depart cheaply.

Portuguese outlet Record reports that there are several ‘sharks’ seeking to sign the midfielder, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City foremost among these teams. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also listed as interested parties.

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Enzo Fernandez: What are the chances of a transfer?

The Premier League clubs are all seeking to bolster their midfield and appear to be the likeliest candidates to sign the midfielder.

Nevertheless, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are also high on the shortlists of all three teams, meaning there is no guarantee that they would move for Fernandez this summer.

This is particularly the case given that they have been quoted an eye-watering €120m to sign the player – the value of his release clause.

Fernandez’s figure is comparable to that of Rice and Bellingham, who are both more established players.

The threat of the Spanish clubs, meanwhile, is limited. Barcelona’s financial position means that a move will be impossible at the price quoted, but on the other hand, Real Madrid are seeking to add one more midfielder to their ranks.

Certainly, Benfica’s enormous demands for a player with limited experience could put suitors off, and with Enzo Fernandez having a contract that stretches until 2027, they are under little pressure to sell.

Who is the most expensive Argentine footballer ever?

Gonzalo Higuain is Argentina’s most expensive footballer ever. The striker completed a move from Napoli to Juventus in 2016 for €90 million.