Manchester United have intensified contact with Benfica as they aim to close the signing of midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January, O Jogo (today’s edition, page 6) report.
The Red Devils recently suffered a huge transfer blow with Liverpool hijacking their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old has agreed a six-year deal with them.
Amidst this, O Jogo claim that the Red Devils have intensified contacts with Benfica to try and close the signing of Fernandez. The Argentine is in high demand ahead of the New Year.
An unnamed club, most likely Liverpool, have already failed with a €100 million transfer bid for the 21-year-old. Benfica are adamant that he won’t be sold for less than his €120m buy-out clause.
United have now stepped up negotiations with the aim of signing him ahead of Liverpool.
United must not lose another key target to Liverpool
The Red Devils have already suffered a huge blow to their January plans with Liverpool beating them to the services of Gakpo, who was Erik ten Hag’s prime attacking target.
Both clubs are now pursuing Fernandez and United must ensure that they get a deal over the line ahead of their arch-rivals. They can’t afford to miss out on the World Cup winner.
Fernandez is currently one of the most-sought young midfielders in world football. He has had a sublime debut season at Benfica, registering eight goal contributions from 24 outings.
Aside from this, he has also impressed defensively with three tackles and one interception per game while completing nearly 90 percent of his passes across all competitions for them.
The 21-year-old was also brilliant for Argentina in their World Cup-winning campaign. He was a regular from the defensive midfield position, chipping in with a goal and an assist as well.
Fernandez has the hallmarks of being a world-class star in the coming years. United may have to sign him in January to avoid the prospect of Liverpool hijacking yet another player from them.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
