The Liverpool team decisively purchased Uruguayan winger Nunez from Benfica for a total transfer price of 100 million euros. In 25 games, Nunez contributed 10 goals and 3 assists, including 5 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League, and his performance even surpassed that of Anthony in the same game. Liverpool, however, were without Rashford, and Klopp's side struggled to match the results of the Ten Hahn-led side. In the League Cup and FA Cup, Liverpool went out early, the gap between them and the top four in the Premier League table widened, and the road to the Champions League was full of unknowns, so the 100 million euro strong newcomer had no choice but to slip from the starting lineup to the bench.
In retrospect, Benfica sold Portuguese striker Felix to Atletico Madrid for €126 million in the 2019 summer transfer window while transferring over €100 million in transfer fees. The addition of Felix allowed Benfica to bring in Nunez at a much lower cost. In fact, Felix originally came from Porto and Benfica acquired Nunez from Almeria in September 2020 for €34 million.
In July 2022, Benfica brought in Enzo Fernandez from River Plate for a total transfer fee of just under €20 million, with a base transfer fee of €10 million and another €8 million floating around. So why did the transfer fee soar to €100 million in just six months?
Enzo is currently valued at €55 million, but that figure could top out at just €35 million ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The contract that Benfica signed with Enzo is worth €120 million, and if the team wants to keep him, the transfer price needs to be at least that amount. Surprisingly, Benfica are ready to extend the player's contract and increase the release fee to €150 million.
In Europe's top five leagues, the giants have been bringing in players from the Dutch and Portuguese Super Leagues, not just Anthony and Nunez. For example, Manchester United brought in B Fay in January 2020 for €80 million (€55 million base transfer fee) + €25 million floating fee.B Fay joined United and quickly showed his ability to adapt to the Premier League, assisting as well as scoring goals, and became the centerpiece of United's attacking midfield.
Enzo Fernandez joins Chelsea for €121m - can he be the next B-Fay or the next Nunez? Without the 2022 World Cup, Enzo's release fee may go unnoticed. From fringe player and substitute to starter and hero to World Cup rookie of the year, Enzo has proven his strength and potential. While landing in the Premier League may not have been as swift as B Faye, his rise may make Klopp regret it: why didn't he just acquire him from River Plate for €20 million six months ago?
