Barcelona and Real Madrid ‘very attentive’ to situation of 2022 FIFA World Cup winner: Reports

La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Portuguese outlet Record has reported.

Fernandez was one of Argentina’s breakout stars at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Benfica midfielder featured in all seven games for La Albiceleste, starting in each except for the first two. The midfielder scored a goal and claimed an assist as Lionel Messi and Co. brought the FIFA World Cup back to their country after a 36-year hiatus.

Fernandez’s performance in Qatar has made him a person of interest in Europe, with many top clubs eyeing him. According to the aforementioned source, La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are on his list of potential suitors.

It has been reported that Barcelona have been following the midfielder closely since his River Plate days. They even had an opportunity to sign him for a nominal fee a while back but decided to pass on the opportunity.

It is believed that Benfica are not willing to let their World Cup winner leave for cheap and are demanding potential suitors pay his €120 million exit clause to prise him away. Barcelona’s financial state would keep them from signing any new players in January and there is little chance of the transfer going through in the summer.

Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to secure Fernadez’s services, with them willing to offer €100-million-plus-a-player for him.

Real Madrid are also keen, but might refrain from splurging over €100 million for Fernandez. Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham is reportedly their primary target for the summer.

---

Real Madrid legend reportedly receives transfer offer from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Having captured the headlines with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr are looking to add Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric to the mix, Saudi Arabian outlet Okaz Sports has reported. Modric’s contract with Madrid expires in June 2023.

It has been claimed that the Al Nassr management has already submitted an offer to the player. They have reportedly tabled a two-and-a-half-year deal that would see Modric earn a staggering €40 million over the course of his stay.

Even in the twilight of his career, the 37-year-old remains an integral member of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The former Tottenham Hotspur man has featured in 23 games for the club across competitions this season, scoring five times and claiming two assists.