La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly contacted 21-year-old Argentine international Enzo Fernandez over a possible summer move.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Enzo Fernandez is becoming a top target for Real Madrid. And the reigning La Liga champions have approached the 21-year-old Benfica central midfielder over the possibility of a move in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Enzo Fernandez has seen his stock skyrocket in the last 12 months. The Argentine international was already a household name in South America during his stint with River Plate. But after a brilliant start to the 2022 season in Argentina, European bigwigs started noting his talent. And Benfica beat the competition to sign the player in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old has turned out 24 times thus far for Benfica, chipping in with three goals and five assists. And Fernandez is currently making his mark for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, the youngster’s exploits have captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.
The next couple of years will be crucial for Real Madrid and the midfield department. While Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have been stalwarts for Los Blancos, they are not getting any younger. And Real Madrid will need to lay down a succession plan for the duo, bringing Enzo Fernandez into the picture.
The priority midfield target for Real Madrid is Jude Bellingham. But the English international is likelier to join Liverpool than the Merengues. So Enzo Fernandez has emerged as a viable alternative for the reigning La Liga champions. And they have now established contact with the 21-year-old Argentine international.
The Merengues have approached the player’s entourage to assess the possibility of signing him in the summer. But Enzo Fernandez will not come cheap, with Benfica reportedly demanding €120 million for him. While Real Madrid will not necessarily be averse to shelling out such a sum, they will likely look to negotiate the fee first.
For now, the reigning La Liga champions have made their first move to sign Enzo Fernandez. And it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can test Benfica’s resolve with a serious offer in the coming months.
