“See if he wants to play against Bournemouth on Tuesday” – Alan Shearer urges Newcastle to sign Argentina star who shone at FIFA World Cup
Alan Shearer has backed Newcastle United to sign Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez following the latter's stellar 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The Premier League record goalscorer hilariously urged Newcastle to enquire if Fernandez would like to play in their EFL Cup clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday night (21 December).
The Benfica player started Argentina’s first two games on the bench before being thrust into the XI in the group game against Poland. The 21-year-old would be a mainstay in Lionel Scaloni’s team for the remainder of the tournament. He produced a stellar performance in the win over France in the final on Sunday (December 18).
Enzo Fernández wins Young Player of the Tournament 👏🇦🇷 https://t.co/t4tGFSgiOj
After Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties (3-3 after extra time), Shearer urged his old club to go for the Benfica man. When asked whether or not he would like to see Fernandez playing for the Magpies, Shearer responded (via The Boot Room):
“Absolutely, yes. See if he wants to play against Bournemouth on Tuesday.”
Magpies’ potential pursuit of the midfielder is unlikely to be straightforward. Argentinian outlet La Capital recently linked Fernandez with a move to Liverpool, claiming that the Reds already reached a pre-agreement with him ahead of a possible move in the summer.
Fernandez, who scored a goal and claimed an assist at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament. According to 90min, he has a £103 million release clause in his contract, so Benfica are unlikely to settle for anything less. His contract with the Portuguese giants expires in June 2027.
Enzo Fernandez’s performance in 2022 FIFA World Cup final could entice Newcastle United
Despite being only 21, Enzo Fernandez showed immense maturity for Argentina in their victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. Against France, in what was the biggest game of his career, he exhibited unmatched calm, belying his young years.
Playing the entire 120 minutes, Fernandez created a chance, completed 77 passes (85% accuracy), made seven passes into the final third, and won seven of his ten attempted tackles. Without him, La Albiceleste would have had a difficult time keeping France’s excellent midfield at bay.
1 - Enzo Fernández led all players for touches (118), successful passes (77) and tackles (10) in the final. His 10 tackles were the most of any player in a World Cup final since Gennaro Gattuso in 2006 (15). Blessed. https://t.co/lm03PdjnWM
Newcastle, who are third in the Premier League, have plenty of gifted players at their disposal, but Fernandez could be their crowned jewel. If Eddie Howe can offer Fernandez his preferred role, it would probably be wise for the Magpies to break the bank for the midfielder.