Liverpool signed striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica this summer. Now they are linked with yet another youngster from Benfica, Enzo Fernandez. The young star has made a name for himself after some beautiful performances in the World Cup.
Rui Costa, Benfica’s president, stated ‘no player’ would leave the club during the winter transfer window in January. This could be a setback for Liverpool’s reported interest in signing the young Argentine.
The 21-year-old caught the attention of football managers at the World Cup and is still being linked with a move to Anfield, despite just joining Benfica during the summer transfer window at the start of this season.
Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez in June as part of an £85 million package deal. However, the fact that Liverpool just took one of their stars could make it a bit tough for negotiations.
After strong starts to the season, Goncalo Ramos and Antonio Silva have been linked with big-money transfers away from Benfica too. However, Costa has vocally mentioned that none of his players will leave in the January window unless their agreed release clause values are met.
Costa mentioned, “We have the sole objective of having a winning season; no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad. What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one. Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems, and we do not need to sell players.”
Benfica has one of the most talented squads in their recent history and is threatened by some of the bigger clubs with deeper pockets coming and picking their star assets, player by player.
If Liverpool decides to activate Fernandez’s release clause, the club will have to pay a hefty sum of £103 million. Given that Jurgen Klopp’s side would be required to spend a ton of money to bring in Jude Bellingham, it is doubtful that the Argentine will be joining Liverpool next month.
However, anything is possible with the talks of new investors and/or buyers doing the rounds.