- Benfica has set the price tag for the transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernandez for the January transfer window
- Enzo Fernandes impressed in the just concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, where he won the tournament
- Premier League side Chelsea has been at the forefront of the midfielder’s signature
Rui Costa, president of Benfica, has issued a warning to potential buyers of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, saying that he will not be sold for less than his €120 million (£106 million) release clause.
SportsLeo has learned that Benfica has received inquiries regarding a transfer for Fernandez from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United in recent weeks. Fernandez was also being scouted by Manchester City while playing for River Plate in Argentina. Another team mentioned is Real Madrid.
Sources have revealed that each of those potential buyers has been privately advised that he would not be sold in January until his release clause is activated, and Costa has now publicly reaffirmed that position.
Argentina and Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in a past match for Benfica. | PHOTO: Carlos Rodrigues |
“We don’t want to sell Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to satisfy the boy in the event of an offer of €120m,” Costa told DAZN.
Reports in Portugal have claimed that Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has spoken personally with Fernandez to try and convince him to stay beyond January, but the boss refused to confirm the rumours in his latest press conference.
“You always run the risk of losing players [in January],” Schmidt admitted when asked if he was worried about losing Fernandez.
“I can’t reveal our conversations. When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said. We all know what football is like. These young players have opportunities, not just Enzo. If they have opportunities, they need to make decisions, and I respect them.
“I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I will accept their decisions.”
In other news,
Alexis Mac Allister’s father and agent, Carlos has labelled Juventus “one of the most prestigious clubs in the world” amid growing speculation over the midfielder’s future.
Brighton and Hove Albion star Mac Allister is a player in demand after starting six of Argentina’s seven games in their triumphant World Cup 2022 campaign.
Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is a World Cup winner with Argentina and he has attracted top clubs across Europe. | PHOTO: Fotmob |
The 24-year-old signed a new three-year deal in October, with the option for Brighton to extend it by a further year, yet that has done little to quell interest from elsewhere.
Premier League trio Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked, but Juventus are reportedly the frontrunner to sign Mac Allister next year.
“Juventus is a huge club, one of the most prestigious in the world,” Carlos Mac Allister told Tuttomercato.
“I can only say that together with [Brighton] we will analyse the offers we receive, then we will decide what will happen to Alexis’ future.
Alexis Mac Allister is a teammate of Enzo Fernandez in the Argentina national team and it is a matter of time till we see where the duo will land.
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