Tottenham have been told to pay the €120 million release clause to sign Enzo Fernandez after making an approach for the Liverpool target.
According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham are among several clubs to approach Enzo Fernandez. Benfica have swiftly told suitors, including the north Londoners, it would take his €120 million release clause to sign the World Cup winner in January.
Tottenham are in the market for a new midfielder if reports are accurate about their various other pursuits. Antonio Conte wants more from his central stars after stacking up three key players whose primary role is to hold the ball.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma have yet to progress the ball and keep the midfield busy. So far, they have achieved a varying degree of success with the trio. But Conte wants someone to do more in the area and add something they are missing now.
They have already hit a roadblock in pursuing World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, as Brighton & Hove Albion are uninterested in selling him in January. Tottenham are now focusing on Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentine star was a regular in the side that clinched the World Cup title and has naturally attracted plenty of interest. The report claims Tottenham are one of the clubs to approach the midfielder at a time when it could prove one of the most difficult January windows.
According to the report, Fernandez is keen on joining Liverpool, and his agent reportedly has an agreement with the Reds over a move. Yet, the Merseysiders are not expected to pay around €120 million to prise him away, as Benfica wants the Argentine’s release clause paid in full.
The demands complicate any prospective move for interested clubs, let alone Tottenham. The north Londoners can pay such prices. But whether they are willing to do so for one player in January remains the question.
There is a slight hope for Spurs in the pursuit as they will have to convince Benfica over a deal or make the best possible bid. The Portuguese side is about to make the best of the opportunity and Fernandez’s performances at the World Cup to get the price they want, which is the release clause.
If the reports of an agreement with the Reds are true, Tottenham will find it tough to pursue the Liverpool target. They might look elsewhere if the roadblock continues to hamper their progress in the January window, but there are only a few options in this market.
