Manchester United make Enzo Fernandez transfer a priority in 2023

Manchester United are leading the race for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool.

That’s according to a report from Portuguese reporter Bruno Andrade, who added that The Red Devils have overtaken Jurgen Klopp’s men as the favourites for the young midfielder’s signature.

Fernandez, 21, was a standout talent at the 2022 World Cup. He won the trophy for the best young player at the tournament as he helped Argentina win the competition alongside United’s Lisandro Martinez.

The Benfica star has a release clause of €120 million and United have privately said that they would pay this amount next month in order to bring the midfielder into their squad.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham as their primary target, meaning that United have an upper hand in regard to the Argentine talent.

Fernandez has a contract with Benfica until June 2027 after joining the Portuguese club from River Plate last summer.

United signed two midfielders in the same transfer window, with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro bolstering Erik ten Hag’s options in the engine room.

However, with both of them in their thirties, signing Fernandez would be a great move for The Reds as they look to continue improving under their Dutch manager.

Whether or not this deal can be completed in January is up for discussion. United already look likely to bring in Cody Gakpo as a forward option and it seems unlikely that a further €120 million will be spent after the money it will take to sign the PSV Eindhoven player.