Liverpool's Enzo Fernandez alternatives as Klopp shut down transfer talk

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 1 Jan 2023 20:34 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool may lose out in the race for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea are ready to pay his release clause and gazump them in the race.

Fernandez made a huge name for himself at the World Cup, where, in addition to winning the tournament, he was also named Young Player of the Tournament after a fine campaign.

That only raised the interest in him, leaving Chelsea to act fast and meaning Liverpool will have to look elsewhere for midfield options.

READ: Klopp makes major Roberto Firmino statement after Gakpo transfer

They have a few in their ideas, and it’ll be a position of priority next year with the squad lacking quality in that area of the pitch.

Liverpool have other transfer options

Their main target is Jude Bellingham, who has been a long-term target for the club and Liverpool may be tempted to make a move.

They will face competition from Real Madrid and will have to spend around €120 million to get his signature next year from Borussia Dortmund, which will be their biggest transfer ever.

READ: Liverpool's 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Another option they could have is Moises Caicedo, the Brighton star who has grown in value and quality since moving to the club.

He spent portions of last season on loan and has come back to become an excellent all-round midfielder who has attracted the attention of many – he’ll cost upwards of €80 million, reportedly.

A slightly less-touted option is Romeo Lavia of Southampton, who only moved to the south coast club this past summer and has already impressed.

Like Fernandez, there is also an interest in Lavia from Chelsea, who were eager to bring him in the summer, after he had moved to Southampton.

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They may also be tempted for a move for Ryan Gravenberch, who is at Bayern Munich and is struggling to break into the first team having moved there from Ajax in the summer.

The Dutchman has rarely started matches for Bayern Munich and a move away to Liverpool may allow him to show his potential and the big things he was touted for at Ajax.