Real Madrid News
Benfica issue update on the future of €120 million-rated Real Madrid target
Amidst the constant speculations regarding the future of Enzo Fernandez doing the rounds, his club SL Benfica have issued an official statement claiming that the 21-year-old will not be sold in the upcoming January transfer window.
The young midfielder is one of the most sought-after commodities in the transfer market currently, with some of the biggest clubs across Europe interested in him.
Indeed, the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG have all shown an interest in securing his services from Benfica, whom he joined only last summer from Argentine outfit River Plate.
Fernandez has a release clause worth €120 million and reports have suggested that Benfica will demand any interested party to shell out that sum if they wish to sign the World Cup winner.
Earlier today, DAZN carried quotes allegedly from Benfica president Rui Costa which read (h/t Ben Jacobs): “We don’t want to give up Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to please the boy in the event of a €120 million offer.”
But, now, Benfica have officially stated that their president never issued any comments regarding the future of Fernandez, while also insisting that they intend to keep the midfielder at the club until the end of the season.
“We insist saying that our intention is to keep Enzo here until the end of the season. Benfica clarify that our president Rui Costs never spoke to DAZN about the situation of Enzo Fernández,” the statement read (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in Enzo Fernandez, albeit as a possible alternative for their primary midfield target Jude Bellingham.
But with things progressing well in their pursuit of the Englishman, the Merengues might cool off their interest in the World Cup’s Best Young Player.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
