After many optimistic stories on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ chase for River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernandez, it now seems Bruno Lage’s side had a major setback in the pursuit.
It was widely reported that Wolves would send chief scout Mathew Hobbs to Argentina to try and trigger the player’s release clause, which stands at €20m.
However, according to the latest updates from the local media, Fernandez did not accept moving to the Molineux this summer.
ESPN journalist Javier Gil Navarro writes that Hobbs indeed meet River Plate’s board and the player’s staff.
There was a ‘negative’ to the offer, though, since the player wants to continue playing the Copa Libertadores this year.
The same report says Benfica and Milan continue in the race, as recent claims said the Portuguese side would have no problem in keeping the player in Argentina for a few more months as long as they pay less for the move.
Another journalist reporting Wolves’ difficulty is Cesar Luis Merlo. He claims that following ‘a day of meetings’ with Wolves’ official, the transfer to the Molineux is ‘very cold’.
The reporter also points out that Benfica emissaries are now arriving in Buenos Aires to try to get a deal done.
It’s well known that the Eagles don’t have as much money as Wolves to get the signing, so perhaps, the only way for the Premier League side to complete the operation is to let Fernandez stay at River until the end of the year.
