Liverpool could find ‘next Enzo Fernández’ in ideal star transfer with $128m release clause

Liverpool are expected to be in the market for midfield reinforcements with the trio due to leave Anfield this summer. Jürgen Klopp will be keeping an eye out for a bargain.

With three senior midfielders due to leave Anfield this summer, Liverpool are likely to enter the transfer market and need several reinforcements in this area.

The Reds’ hunt for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is likely to intensify in the coming months as the star sends signals he wants to return to England, but it’s unlikely he’s the only option Jürgen’s staff have Klopp eyeing. Indeed, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (translated by Sport Witness), Liverpool have already contacted the Benfica midfielder who is touted as the ‘next Enzo Fernández’. Florentino Luís has attracted interest from Liverpool in the past, with the Reds believed to have followed the young Portuguese midfielder in October, according to the report. Transfermarkt valued Luís at around $16m (£13m/€15m), a figure that would be a relative when you consider that his former teammate Fernández cost Chelsea around $127m (£106m/€ 119 million) in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old particularly impressed following Roger Schmidt’s arrival at Benfica, with the midfielder’s early performances convincing the German coach to let him start over with Adel Taarabt and Julian Weigl, who were then moved into the starting lineup. their midfield. Luís had been away from the club for the past two seasons, instead being loaned out to AS Monaco and Getafe with mixed success, having made just 21 league appearances for the Portuguese giants.

This season however, the Portuguese Under-21 midfielder has enjoyed something of a runaway season at the Estádio da Luz, with the midfielder playing a vital role as his side currently top the table after two third-place finishes in seasons previous. The starlet’s combative displays and ability to initiate attacks with his excellent pass range – he ranks in the top 99% of players in Europe’s top five leagues for pass attempts and 96% for pass completions – would likely make the Liverpool captain in mind. Jordan Henderson to the observers on Merseyside.

The fact that Benfica’s asset is also characterized by his energetic pressure will also be music to Jürgen Klopp’s ears. Luís has scored the fourth most interceptions per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal this season at 2.4, with his suitability for a Liverpool midfielder could be an attractive proposition as the Reds look to strengthen in this area.

Not only are Liverpool currently facing the prospect of having three less experienced midfielders next season – as things stand James Milner, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keïta will leave the club as free agents – but the stark reality is that, as good as they are, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcântara are both on the wrong side of the 30. The Portuguese player has a $128m (£107m/€119m) release clause, but Liverpool could see Luís as a real option to see if Benfica are willing to compromise. Liverpool will be intent on adding Jude Bellingham to their squad this summer, but there’s no harm in planning ahead, especially with interest from other elite clubs. With Luís, they could end up with one of Europe’s brightest emerging talents for a fraction of the price.