City Football Group director Joan Patsy has revealed that Manchester City could have signed Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old impressed for the South American side in Qatar as Lionel Scaloni's side defeated France in the World Cup final on Sunday. Argentina, who have now lifted the trophy on three occasions, won 4-2 on penalties - with the game having finished 3-3 after extra-time.
Fernandez - who only made his debut for the national team earlier this year - featured in all seven matches in Qatar. After starting the first two games on the bench, the midfielder was named in the starting line-up for the last group stage clash and all of the knockout ties.
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Benfica signed Fernandez for just £10.5million in the summer transfer window, but City Football Group director Patsy has claimed that the Blues could have recruited the talented midfielder.
Speaking to Spanish publication Què T’hi Jugues, he said: "Man City could’ve signed Enzo Fernandez, but what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad?
"He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica, but we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play."
Fernandez has made 24 appearances in all competitions for Benfica this season, registering three goals and five assists. The 21-year-old, who joined the Portuguese side from River Plate, was impressive in the Champions League clashes against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi praised Fernandez during the South American side's World Cup campaign, suggesting that he was an important player for the team.
"I know Enzo very well, here from the national team and I also played against him in the Champions League," he told reporters after the win over Mexico. "He deserves it, because he’s a spectacular kid and a very important player for us."
For City, the return to domestic action begins with a Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool on Thursday night, with Pep Guardiola's side looking to respond to the surprise defeat to Brentford before the break in the season.
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