According to the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are said to be one of the clubs expressing interest in signing 21-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez.
Fernandez is a versatile player, primarily a defensive midfielder but also capable of playing in the number eight position. His emergence in the Boca first team has garnered attention.
During the 2022 season, the Argentine player was on loan with Tigre, accumulating a total of 42 appearances before returning to the Boca senior team, where he has contributed with two assists in 43 competitive matches.
His strong performances have played a crucial role in Boca Juniors’ journey to the Copa Libertadores final. The youngster has been a regular starter, contributing to the team’s victories in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, including a penalty shootout win against Palmeiras in the semi-final.
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Fernandez is expected to retain his starting position for the upcoming final against Fluminense. However, despite his domestic success, he has not yet caught the attention of Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni.
The midfielder has not represented the senior national team since earning 13 caps at the Under-17 level, but his performances are drawing interest from European clubs.
Liverpool are one of several teams monitoring Fernandez. His contract with Boca Juniors is in place until the end of 2025.
Although the Reds restructured their midfield during the summer, manager Jurgen Klopp may still be open to adding one or two more midfielders next summer, especially with Thiago Alcantara’s contract set to expire.
Liverpool signed Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai during the summer transfer window, with three of them starting in the recent Merseyside derby victory over Everton.
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Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are alternative midfield options for Klopp, although Jones is currently serving a domestic suspension.
Aside from Ezequiel Fernandez, the English giants are also rumored to be interested in Fluminense star Andre, whose team will face Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final in November.
However, AC Milan appears to be the primary contender for Fernandez. Portuguese champions Benfica are also in contention for his services.
There’s a possibility that the South American star could follow a similar path to his compatriot, Enzo Fernandez, who joined Benfica and made a name for himself in a six-month spell before transferring to Chelsea for £106 million in January.
The upcoming transfer window will be a crucial period for the youngster. Liverpool are expected to make significant efforts to secure the Argentine midfielder before AC Milan and Benfica can complete a deal.
