Enzo Fernandez seized his opportunity at the 2022 World Cup brilliantly, shining brightly to attract the interest of Europe's elite clubs.
Fernandez, 21, only made his Argentina debut in September. He began the tournament as a substitute, but after his first senior international goal sealed victory against Mexico, Lionel Scaloni had to start Fernandez.
The midfielder went on to win Young Player of the Tournament as Argentina lifted their first World Cup title since 1986.
Fernandez will now be one to watch in January as the major teams start to circle the midfielder.
¡¡GANÓ ARGENTINA!! 🤍💙
— Miguel Ponce de Leon (@MiguePonceDLeon) November 26, 2022
Con golazos de Messi y Enzo Fernández, la Selección venció 2-0 a México y quedó en la segunda posición del Grupo C.
El miércoles, ante Polonia, la Albiceleste se jugará la clasificación a los octavos de final. pic.twitter.com/B5OYBSvDeZ
MORE: Who won the 2022 World Cup 2022 Golden Boot?
Enzo Fernandez transfer latest
The Argentinian has been on the radar of many top European clubs for a long time. Real Madrid began tracking Fernandez seven years ago, when he was coming through the youth ranks in his home country.
Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea are also said to have been tracking Fernandez. Indeed, Benfica president Rui Costa was claimed to have told DAZN in an interview that they could let the player leave in January to an interested party if that was his wish, but the club later denied any such comments were made.
"SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being disseminated in Italy by DAZN," they said.
"Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season."
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano previously claimed that Benfica didn't intend to sell Fernandez following his breakout group-stage performances, but the youngster's increased price tag may have tempted them.
"He’s been one of the best players for Argentina," former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta said on BBC punditry.
"He’s only 21 but he’s been fantastic, and I think next summer, he will go to a big club. He’s got vision, his passing and shooting ability is great. He can play as a number four but also as a number eight."
The new year saw Chelsea emerge as a frontrunner to possibly get a deal done but Record reported on January 4 that the Blues are falling short of Fernandez's release clause - something Benfica are adamant must be met.
Enzo Fernandez contract
Fernandez has a €120 million release clause worked into the Benfica deal he signed after moving to Portugal for €12m, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old only signed his five-year contract with the Portuguese club in July but could already be on the move.
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Enzo Fernandez clubs and trophies
Fernandez didn't even last a full season at River Plate after graduating from the Buenos Aires club's youth ranks into the first-team in 2021.
The midfielder got his first taste of senior football with Defensa y Justicia before returning to the Argentine capital. There, his performances were so impressive that Man United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan considered signing him.
After joining Benfica, Fernandez was straight in at the European deep end. He has shone in the Liga Portugal, becoming a mainstay in the table-topping starting XI and top performer in the Champions League.
Benfica received a brutal Champions League draw, with Juventus, PSG and Maccabi Haifa in their group. However, the Liga Portugal leaders incredibly went on to win Group H, beating Juventus twice and holding Kylian Mbappe and Co. to 1-1 draws home and away.
| Club | Games | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 53 | 12 | 10 |
| Defensa y Justicia (loan) | 32 | 1 | 2 |
| Benfica | 24 | 3 | 5 |
