On Thursday morning, it was widely reported by the Portuguese media that Benfica received a €100m bid for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
A Bola and Record, the country’s biggest sports newspapers, covered the news, they made it clear that the bid had not arrived from Liverpool, despite the Reds’ strong interest in the player.
It turns out that newspaper Correio da Manhã also reports that attempt, and they actually say the opposite than their colleagues.
The outlet writes that Benfica turned down a €100m offer from Liverpool, that the bid was reportedly submitted on Wednesday for the move to happen in the January transfer window, but the possibility was ruled out by the Eagles president Rui Costa.
The Lisbon side’s intention is to hold Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season, especially because they fight for the league title and are qualified for the Champions League’s round-of-16.
So to take Fernandez out of Benfica in January, his €120m release clause must be triggered.
This means that if Correio da Manhã are correct, Liverpool clearly aren’t far from that with their initial bid, and as said by the other newspapers today, the Eagles are starting to get worried about potentially losing their star earlier than anticipated.
Because once that €120m is triggered, it’s out of their hands.
