Report: Liverpool’s Plan to Replace Salah Could Involve Argentine Wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Dazzling Argentine Winger Thiago Fernandez

As the Premier League powers ramp up their efforts to secure young, dynamic talent, Thiago Fernandez has emerged as a top target for several major clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool. The Velez Sarsfield winger has been turning heads with his impressive performances in the Argentine top flight, and the comparisons to former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria seem well-earned.

Fernandez, only 20, has enjoyed a breakout season with five goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, attracting attention from across Europe. According to TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also keen on signing the Argentine starlet. With four of England’s top clubs now reportedly interested, the battle for Fernandez’s signature is heating up.

Fernandez: Rising Star in Argentine Football

The comparisons to Angel Di Maria aren’t made lightly. Like Di Maria, Fernandez hails from Buenos Aires, and his playing style draws parallels to the pace, flair, and creative playmaking that Di Maria was famous for. Fernandez is quick, technically gifted, and can operate across the front line. This versatility is a significant draw for Premier League teams, particularly those looking to refresh their attacking options.

Liverpool, who are keeping an eye on Fernandez, are believed to be seeking new wide players amid growing concerns about Mohamed Salah’s future. Rumours linking Salah with a move to Saudi Arabia have only increased the need for the Reds to explore replacements, with Fernandez fitting the mould of an exciting young prospect who could develop into a key player at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

United, on the other hand, continue their strategy of recruiting young international talent to build a squad for the future. Fernandez is exactly the kind of player United’s management have been prioritising — a rising star who could develop into a top-tier Premier League player without commanding the enormous fees of more established names. As TBR Football reports, “United have made no secret of the fact that they are hunting top young talent from around the globe.”

The Battle for Fernandez’s Signature

While the interest from Manchester United and Liverpool is notable, it is worth mentioning that Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also in the hunt. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, are already thinking about life after Son Heung-min. The South Korean forward, while still a crucial figure at Spurs, is now over 30, and the club are looking for younger options to take his place long-term.

Spurs have recruited a number of promising young attackers in recent windows, including Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore, but the addition of Fernandez could provide even more dynamism and depth to their attack.

Chelsea’s interest, meanwhile, could hinge on their efforts to offload Mykhailo Mudryk. Despite a significant outlay for the Ukrainian winger, his performances have not justified the investment, and the club is reportedly considering selling him. Fernandez, a cheaper alternative, could fit into Chelsea’s new-look attack under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, given Chelsea’s recent acquisitions of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, their pursuit of Fernandez seems less urgent. That said, Chelsea are always active in the market, and Fernandez’s talent could tempt them to make a move regardless of their current squad depth.

What’s Next for Fernandez?

It’s still early days in terms of a formal approach from any of the Premier League clubs, but Fernandez’s performances will continue to be monitored closely. His potential is clear, and it’s only a matter of time before one of Europe’s top clubs comes calling with a serious offer.

For Liverpool, the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future makes this a crucial transfer window. Should Salah depart, Fernandez could be seen as a future star at Anfield, following in the footsteps of South American wingers like Luis Diaz. United’s interest, however, signals their ongoing desire to build a youthful, vibrant squad, and they won’t be easy competition in this transfer battle.

As TBR Football noted, “Despite it being early days in terms of interest in the player, the mere fact that so many Premier League teams are eyeing up a move shows how good Fernandez is projected to be.” Clubs across Europe will be watching closely, but the Premier League’s elite appear to be leading the race.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As exciting as Fernandez looks on paper, Liverpool fans may raise some valid concerns about whether he’s the right fit for the club’s future under Arne Slot. While the prospect of signing a player compared to Angel Di Maria is enticing, Fernandez’s lack of experience in top European leagues might make him a risky option for a team that demands success now.

Liverpool’s need for immediate impact players, particularly if Salah leaves, could make signing an unproven talent like Fernandez less attractive. The Premier League is notoriously unforgiving to younger, less experienced South American players, with many failing to adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of English football. For every Luis Diaz, there’s a Roberto Firmino who took years to fully integrate.

Additionally, some fans may feel that Fernandez is more of a long-term prospect, and with Liverpool needing to compete for trophies every season, they may prefer more established names like Leroy Sane or even Anthony Gordon. Fernandez’s stats in the Argentine league are impressive, but the jump to the Premier League could prove a difficult transition.

Ultimately, while Fernandez has potential, the question remains whether Liverpool need a player like him now — or if they should be focusing on players who can make an immediate impact at the highest level.