‘One to watch’: Newcastle could yet make stunning bid to sign £105m player – journalist

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Newcastle United are said to be ‘ones to watch’ in the race to sign Enzo Fernandez.

It seems that Fernandez’s departure from Benfica is becoming more and more imminent, with reports today suggesting that both Chelsea and Liverpool are advancing moves.

However, Ben Jacobs has suggested that Newcastle are very much in the hunt for him.

And while the deal looks to be an expensive one, the Magpies could still be one of the contenders to sign the Argentine World Cup winner.

He also wrote: “Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are fans of Fernandez, too. #NUFC also one to watch. But all clubs are trying to understand Fernandez’s ambitions and work out whether rivals will genuinely move in January.

“Told Fernandez not desperate to exit in January. Benfica calm about situation. Suitors, seeing them as somewhat of a ‘selling club’, will be trying to convince them it’s optimal time to cash in post World Cup. Benfica could make €5m for every game (24) he’s played since joining.”

Big money addition

Eddie Howe has already admitted that the addition of Fernandez would be an expensive one and it does seem that Newcastle would have to smash their club record to land him.

Fernandez’s release clause currently stands at a huge £105 million, and it seems that price will have to be matched for a sale to go ahead.

However, at 21, Fernandez theoretically has all his best years ahead of him and his profile has just been enhanced massively.

The Benfica man was one of the stars for Argentina, as they lifted their third World Cup earlier this month. 

Indeed Alan Shearer urged Newcastle to shine him due to his performances in Qatar.

Fernandez possesses brilliant defensive qualities, but he is also adept going forward and would add to a Newcastle midfield which is becoming brilliant.

His aggression would be well suited to Howe’s approach and a South American midfield trio with him alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton would be a tantalising prospect for the St. James’ Park crowd.

And, with Champions League football now starting to look a realistic possibility for Newcastle, Fernandez could well be PIF’s biggest statement signing yet, if the Magpies are able to beat the competition for his signature.