Manchester United have overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign Argentna wonderkid Enzo Fernandez, claim UOL Esporte.
The South American publication claims: “Behind the scenes, the Red Devils warned that they are willing to pay the 21-year-old player’s termination fine: 120 million euros (R$ 658 million). Therefore, they are now better positioned in the dispute than the Reds.”
United’s financial pledge (£106m) is reported to be more than Liverpool were prepared to pay for Fernandez.
Fernandez won the World Cup with Argentina and was crowned the best young player at the tournament.
Long-standing United interest
The central midfielder was reportedly scouted by United earlier in 2022, with Argentine newspaper Ole reporting in April, that Red Devils scouts watched him at River Plate.
Fernandez later signed for Benfica in a deal Fabrizio Romano reported cost as little as £8 million. 90Min last month claimed United were planning to renew interest in the midfielder.
Now United, typically, would be due to pay a huge premium for Fernandez.
Treat the reports with scepticism
It’s exciting to see Manchester United linked with one of the best young players in the world. Shame the club didn’t snap him up last summer for a bargain.
Benfica will not sell Fernandez in January, as they are in the Champions League last 16, and this is one to watch for next summer.
United are competing with Liverpool for both Fernandez and Jude Bellingham.
Paying £100 million could be a price worth paying to beating them to the punch. Both clubs could have new owners by next summer, fuelling the transfer chase.
Right now, don’t get carried away. This one will have plenty more twists and turns ahead over the next few months.
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