Benfica boss has already revealed Enzo Fernandez transfer stance amid Liverpool ‘pre-agreement’

The January transfer window is less than a month away. And, unsurprisingly, rumours and gossip is starting to hot up.

Certainly, the tittle-tattle around Liverpool is starting to churn out at a rate of knots. After his impressive performances at the World Cup with England, Jude Bellingham has been the No.1 name on Kopites’ lips. Jurgen Klopp’s side are said to be leading the race for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, although a move in the winter window appears unlikely.

It’s widely agreed that the Reds need to rejuvenate their engine room. With Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract in the summer, additions - as things stand - are required. It might not just be one fresh face in Bellingham required, either.

If the rumours are to be true, that won’t be the case. Reports suggest that Liverpool are keen to sign Enzo Fernandez, which has been met with approval. The 21-year-old has showcased his talents at the World Cup, having helped Argentina reach the final of the World Cup after last night’s 3-0 triumph over Croatia.

Argentinian media outlet La Capital claims that Liverpool have already agreed a ‘pre-agreeement’ with Benfica to sign Fernandez in the summer of 2023 as they anticipate interest from Manchester City and Manchester United. Indeed, it would be somewhat of a coup to prise one of the brightest young talents around to Anfield.

However, there will be some sections of supporters who’ll hope Liverpool could swoop for Fernandez in January. Klopp’s men languish sixth in the Premier League table and bolstering their options for the second half of the season would augment the Reds’ chances of claiming a top-four finish.

Yet, in truth, a potential arrival for Fernandez next month looks out of the question. Not since 2019 have the Eagles claimed the Portuguese title. Yet this season, it looks very much theirs to lose. Benfica sit at the summit of the table and are eight points clear of second-placed Porto. They’ll want to keep all of their players in a bid for the silverware.

And Estadio de Luz boss Roger Schmidt outlined in October that he ‘doesn’t see’ Benfica losing Fernandez after the World Cup.

He told Portuguese media outlet Record: “My son likes Enzo, the way he plays and so do I. Everybody likes him, plays good football. My family has always grown up in the middle of football, my wife and son have been to the stadium, they like the clubs where I am.

“I don’t foresee not having Enzo after the World Cup, he’s where he’s supposed to be to develop. It’s very good for him and for us if we stay a while longer at Benfica.”