Manchester United continue to be linked with Argentina sensation Enzo Fernandez, with reports even claiming the club are favourites.
South American outlet UOL Esporte claimed last week that United had jumped to the top of the queue for Fernandez, and were willing to pay his release clause.
Now considering this release clause is a staggering £106 million, it’s pretty fair to be sceptical around this.
However, the rumours are persisting as the January transfer window approaches and Fernandez’s camp appear to be taking them somewhat seriously.
Fernandez agent ready for release clause to be paid
Argentine journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports that Enzo Fernandez’s agent has flown with the player back to Benfica, in anticipation of the release clause being triggered.
He also reports United are leading Liverpool and Real Madrid in pursuit of the player’s signature.
He writes: “Enzo Fernández arrived in Portugal. His representative traveled to be close in case he had to negotiate a contract if a club decides to pay Benfica’s exit clause -120 million. That depends on the buying club. Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid. In that order.”
TyC Sports reports quotes from Benfica president Rui Costa, who says the only way Fernandez leaves the club this January is if a club pays his release clause.
Costa said: “Whoever wants to take key elements of the squad will have to pay the termination value, which in the case of Enzo, with a contract until 2027, is around 120 millions of euros.”
Fernandez signed for Benfica from River Plate last summer and has been an immediate success, playing a starring role for the club early this season.
He then shone at the World Cup, playing a key role to help Argentina win the trophy in Qatar.
A deal for the 21-year-old would require a club record fee for United. In January this seems unlikely, but it continues to be worth tracking all the same.
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