Report: Liverpool now make move to sign 21-year-old who Lionel Messi thinks is ‘spectacular’

By Milo Clay

Portuguese outlet Record claims Liverpool have now made a move to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez – a player Lionel Messi has labelled ‘spectacular’. 

Liverpool have been linked with moves for a host of top midfielders over the past month as Jurgen Klopp aims to bolster his midfield. 

The Reds brought in Arthur Melo over the summer but the Brazilian only made one substitute appearance before picking up a long-term injury. 

Klopp has been forced to experiment with different combinations in the middle of the park due to injuries and his midfielders playing below their usual high standards. 

They’ve been linked to some talented midfielders, including the likes of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. And on top of the two English stars, Anfield has been named as a possible destination for Argentina’s Fernandez. 

And in the latest update, it seems that Liverpool have made contact with the 21-year-old over a move to Merseyside. 

Liverpool make move to sign Fernandez 

Record reports – via Sport Witness – that both Liverpool and Real Madrid already made contact over the Benfica youngster. 

While both clubs have been targeting a move for Bellingham, his price-tag is forcing them to look at other options. 

The Argentinian star is the ‘most appealing’ option for the Reds but Benfica are determined to keep hold of him. The Portuguese outfit expect Fernandez to remain at the club past the January window. 

Fernandez is enjoying a brilliant World Cup campaign with Argentina and helped his side reach the semi-finals last night. 

He missed a spot-kick during the penalty shootout win over the Netherlands but put in another impressive display from midfield. 

His international teammate Lionel Messi raved about him after he scored a brilliant goal against Mexico in the group stages. 

“Enzo does not surprise me, I know him, I see him train every day, I played against him in the Champions League and he deserves it,” Messi told Ole. 

“He is a spectacular boy and a very important player for us. Happy for him and for us that he gave us peace of mind his goal.” as transcribed by HITC.

Fernandez is seen as one of the best prospects in Europe after a dazzling start to the season with Benfica. 

His displays at the World Cup seem to have only raised his price-tag further as Record notes The Eagles will demand that any interested clubs pay the full £103 million release clause in his contract. 

While Liverpool seem to be prioritising a move for Bellingham, Fernandez would represent a brilliant alternative option in the event they are unable to bring the England star to Anfield.