Pep Guardiola's praise for Marcelo Gallardo's River Plate doesn't seem to be just words. In addition to closing the incorporation of Julián Álvarez, Manchester City would have other of the young jewels of the ibmillionaire in the folder for renew its staff: Enzo Fernández.
According to media outlets such as Goal and The Sun, Citizens began working to find Fernandinho's replacement, whose contract ends in June and who has just publicly warned that his idea is to return to Brazil to continue his career once the season is over. “I want to play. I will return to Brazil, I have decided with my family that playing is the most important thing for me,” said the 36-year-old footballer.
The Citizens Brasil account, for its part, provides some interesting facts. The English club wants to incorporate two players in that sector of the playing field; and one of those targeted is the 21-year-old former Defense and Justice. They say that Txiki Begiristain, former Barcelona glory and current Manchester City sports director, has already contacted the representative of the Argentine to learn about his contractual situation.
This media argues that the Millionario, aware of this situation, put his claims on the table: a significant sum of money plus the token of Valentín Castellanos, a Mendoza striker who belongs to the City Group (currently working in the New York City of the MLS in the United States) and which Marcelo Gallardo requested in the past pass market to reinforce the offensive. River, for their part, assured this media that there was no talk with the English after agreeing to transfer with the Spider.
The English media also echoed the news, but warned that the negotiations will not be easy, since Citizens are not the only ones who have Enzo Fernández on their payroll for the next transfer window. One of those who would seek to hire him is none other than Real Madrid of Spain. It is worth remembering that at the end of last year, those from Núñez extended the midfielder's bond until December 2025 with a termination clause of 20 million euros.
The San Martín native, who since returning from the Falcon became a key piece for the Doll, has just won the last Professional League and the Champions Trophy and was cheered by Monumental in the recent 4-2 victory against Argentinos Juniors. So far this season he has played 10 games, in which he contributed three goals and three assists.
“He is a player who at his young age has matured a lot. He is seen with great confidence, fearsome and a development in his game that looks better and better, strengthening himself day by day. That's what matches and continuity give you. He's comfortable in the team. It is very good for us that it continues to evolve and that it is open to continuing to incorporate things and not settle. That speaks of his very good head to continue promoting everything good he has. He is a much more complete player,” Gallardo praised him after his brilliant performance against the Bicho.
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