Liverpool 'reach pre-contract agreement' for Fernandez transfer

Suraj Radia

• 12 Dec 2022 15:11 CST
• 2 min read

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a ‘pre-contract agreement’ to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez next summer.

Reports in Argentina have suggested Liverpool are desperate to sign the 21-year-old, with La Capital claiming the Reds moved quickly to beat Manchester United and Manchester City to his signing.

Outlets in Spain and Portugal have also claimed personal terms have been agreed with Fernandez, however there has been no agreement made with Benfica.

RETHINK: Liverpool's midfield transfer plans after losing out on top target

Fernandez has been a breakout star for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, appearing in all their games and netting a stunning goal against Mexico in the group stage.

Benfica only signed Fernandez from River Plate in the summer, paying an initial €10 million, and the Portuguese side are unwilling to sell him for less than his €120m release clause.

The asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s side still looking to move for Jude Bellingham next year for a similar fee.

POLE POSITION: Why Liverpool are the front runners to sign Jude Bellingham

Can Liverpool afford both Bellingham and Fernandez?

Fernandez is being scouted by a host of Europe’s top clubs including Real Madrid, who are understood to be considering the midfielder as an alternative to Bellingham, who, ironically, they believe to be going to Liverpool.

The Dortmund star has been a long-term target for both clubs but is believed to prefer a move to Liverpool even if they do not qualify for the Champions League, with his family having held talks with the Reds already.

However, unlike Fernandez, Bellingham does not have a release clause, meaning he could simply be sold to the highest bidder, although most teams have baulked at his reported €150m price tag.

Real are thought to have conceded defeat in the bid for Bellingham as they do not want to pay his asking price, but they still want the England international at a lower fee if he pushes for a move to Madrid.

With Liverpool’s ownership status still up in the air, the likelihood of one big money signing, let alone two appears extremely unlikely, however the club’s desire to close a quick deal for Fernandez could mean that the Reds are ready to restructure their long-standing midfield.