Liverpool intensify talks to sign Fernandez

Liverpool have been continuously linked with a move for Enzo Fernandez and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are set to intensify talks to sign the World Cup-winning midfielder in 2023.

As per the report, the Merseyside club will compete with Manchester United to secure Fernandez’s signature in the new year and the two Premier League clubs will be battling it out when the transfer window reopens next month.

Perfect Thiago heir

It is no secret that the Reds are keen to strengthen their midfield in 2023 and are already set to complete the signing of Cody Gakpo to bolster the forward line, so Fernandez would be the perfect follow-up to complete their January business.

Indeed, Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s top priority to strengthen the midfield but it is not looking likely that they will be able to complete a deal until the summer. 

As a result, the signing of Fernandez would certainly help the team to improve in the meantime and could be the start of the midfield rebuild they desperately need in order to return to their winning ways.

Thiago Alcantara remains one of the most consistent performers in the heart of the Merseyside squad, but with the Spaniard now reaching the latter stages of his career at 31 years old, as well as being on a contract that expires in 2024, Fernandez could be the perfect heir for the Liverpool playmaker.

The 21-year-old – who was hailed a “top talent” by Nizaar Kinsella – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, as well as ranking in the top 10% for assists.

Let’s start easy – how many points did Liverpool collect in their 2021/22 Premier League campaign?

90


91


92


93

Both Fernandez and Thiago have shared many similarities in their output over the season so far including pass completion (88.9% v 85.8%), tackles and interceptions won (39 v 36) and progressive passes received (19 v 15).

With that being said, if Liverpool can meet the Argentine’s £103m release clause it would be a major coup for Jurgen Klopp in his efforts to refresh the squad in 2023.