Man City owners CFG ‘deny interest’ in South American ace with £17m release clause
The owners of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, City Football Group, have reportedly ‘denied their interest’ in River Plate star Enzo Fernandez.
City are busy scouting the next generation of talent, so they can continue the great work done by Pep Guardiola. They focused largely on a new centre-forward before setting their sights on Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina international, a team-mate of Fernandez, agreed to join the Citizens in January. However, he is back at River Plate on loan and will not link up with Manchester City until the summer.
Recent reports put Guardiola’s side in the mix to land fellow Argentine youngster Fernandez, who mainly operates as a central midfielder.
The 21-year-old holds a record of three goals and three assists from 10 matches this campaign. He also has a release clause worth just under £17million.
According to journalist Sergio Gonzalez, City have been laying the groundwork to complete a deal in the last few months.
Enzo Fernandez swap deal off the table
They have also been planning to use New York City FC attacker Valentin Castellanos as part of a potential swap deal.
But Sport Witness, who cite Argentine outlet Ole, dismiss these claims. As per their sources, CFG have ‘denied any interest’ in Fernandez, meaning he will not be moving to the Etihad any time soon.
They don’t reveal a reason for the false transfer claim. It is likely City scouted Fernandez and this led to rumours getting ahead of themselves.
For now, Fernandez will continue his development in Argentina’s top flight and aim to impress scouts of other European teams.
He is certainly at a great club to do just that. Alvarez will show his talent in England next season, while Javier Mascherano and Hernan Crespo came through the ranks at River Plate in previous years.
One player who will almost certainly leave City at the end of the campaign is Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.
During Tuesday’s press conference, he told reporters of his desire to move on in search of game time.
However, that came as news to Guardiola, who insists talks will now be held with the enforcer over his future…
READ MORE: ‘I will go’ – Man City leader sets out imminent exit wish, leaving Guardiola surprised
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