Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez breaks silence on his future

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina kisses the World Cup trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina kisses the World Cup trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s top priority for the next summer transfer window is believed to be Jude Bellingham. But it will not be easy to sign the Englishman from Borussia Dortmund and as a result, the club must keep their eyes on alternative targets as well. And Enzo Fernandez appears to be Los Blancos’ Plan B.

Fernandez moved to Europe in the summer, joining Benfica from River Plate. He was incredibly impressive for the Portuguese club and had already managed to catch the eye of several clubs.

Interest in his signature would skyrocket after his incredible World Cup campaign though, as he played a starring role in Argentina’s win and took home the Young Player of the Tournament award for his performances as well.

Thus, it is not hard to see why Real Madrid would be interested in Fernandez, while Liverpool and Manchester United are believed to be in the race to sign him from Benfica as well. The Argentine does not seem to be thinking about a move away though and has left that up to his representatives. As reported by Metro, he said:

"‘I don’t know about my future or proposals, that’s what my representative is taking care of.‘I don’t want to get into the subject. I am focused on Benfica, we have a game on Friday.’"

Fernandez breaks silence on his future amid links with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool

Fernandez has proven to be a brilliant midfielder for Argentina and he was the engine in the middle of the park for the newly crowned world champions.

Under normal circumstances, one would expect the World Cup to be followed by a big move away for Fernandez, but we are in the middle of the season this time around. And understandably, Benfica do not seem keen on parting ways with their star midfielder at this moment.

Fernandez does have a €120 million release clause in his contract though and if a club triggers that, Benfica would have to let him leave. But it is hard to see Real Madrid even getting close to that figure.