Baring any late in the day hitches Enzo Fernandez can be considered already ‘in Liverpool’s hands’ ahead of a summer transfer, according to reports.
The Reds are claimed to have promised to match any offer made for the Argentina midfielder.
Fernandez has emerged as a top target for Liverpool following his performances at the World Cup. The 21-year-old has been one of his country’s standout players in Qatar ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against Croatia.
He has started the last three matches after coming on as a substitute in the opening two group matches against Saudi Arabia and Mexico. His first international goal came against Mexico.
Liverpool’s interest in the player has stepped up since then. Reports from Argentina claimed on Monday that a pre-agreement had been reached between the Merseyside club and the midfielder.
A move to England is not likely to happen until the summer, despite the January window opening in two-and-a-half weeks. Benfica are under no pressure to sell, with Fernandez’s contract not set to expire until 2027.
Fernandez started his professional career at boyhood club River Plate in Argentina. He only moved to Europe to join Benfica this summer for an initial fee of around £10million.
Fernandez has already made 24 appearances for Benfica, scoring in each of his first three matches. He hasn’t scored since but has five assists to his name and helped his side reach the knockout stage of the Champions League, where they will face Club Brugge in a two-legged affair in February and March.
