Enzo Fernandez is one of the most exciting midfield prospects in all of Europe. Having been named Young Player of the Year for Argentina as they won the World Cup in Qatar, the 21-year-old was one of the stars of the tournament, and a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs looks inevitable, but having only just arrived at Benfica, is the time right for him to move on so quickly?
A great passer of the ball, Fernandez demonstrated maturity beyond his years this season with a series of dominant performances in possession. He can keep the ball with his jinking dribbling and is perhaps one of the most press-resistant midfielders in Europe, drawing comparisons to Xavi and Luka Modric for his illusive nature in the middle of the park. While nowhere near as diminutive as that suggests, he is shown to be a combative runner meaning he’d be perfectly tailored to a number of big sides.
Having signed for Benfica just this summer, leaving River Plate for just £10 million, many a sports betting website are suggesting he might set his new side back almost ten times that amount, with As Águias’s manager Roger Schmidt admitting himself he was unsure on Fernandez’s future.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the clubs interested in the Argentine’s signature. Read on to find out more.
Chelsea
The most legitimate rumours emerging are that Chelsea are front runners for Fernandez this summer. Having an ongoing battle over Christopher Nkunku’s signature, the Blues might turn their attention elsewhere and opt to sign the 21-year-old instead. Shown to still be splashing the cash despite the departure of former owner Roman Abramovic, Chelsea are profiling players for the immediate and long-term future, having signed Wesley Fofana from Leicester for big money as well as ready-made stars like Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling. Fernandez ticks all the boxes and might be a great successor for N’golo Kante in midfield alongside Jorginho.
Liverpool
Desperate for midfielders, Liverpool are in a transitional phase this season under Jurgen Klopp, with James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho all in their 30s. While many believe Jude Bellingham is the Reds’ top target, Borussia Dortmund seemed to have priced their former boss out of a move for the England star, but Fernandez would be tailor made to their dynamic style, and a midfield that included himself and Thiago would be a dream for those at Anfield.
Liverpool are only a few marquee additions from being back to their best and you get the feeling Fernandez would thrive off playing under such a special crowd in Merseyside. The Paddy Power News suggests the Reds might still make the top four and play in the Champions League, the missing ingredient needed to sign Fernandez.
Real Madrid
For a guarantee of success, Fernandez’s best bet is Real Madrid. The reigning European champions, Los Blancos are already stacked in the middle of the park, and with Toni Kroos looking like he’ll commit his future in the Spanish capital, it leaves the 21-year-old competing with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni for minutes, meaning gametime is no guarantee. However, working with Carlo Ancelotti means Fernandez might develop into one of the best midfielders in the world, and the idea of that young French duo alongside him is a scary thought process for the rest of Europe.
