“My Dream Move” – Argentinian Forward Responds to Liverpool Transfer Rumours | OneFootball

Liverpool Linked with ‘New Di Maria’ as Fernandez Eyes Premier League Move

Liverpool’s search for future stars may lead them to Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield, where 20-year-old Julian Fernandez has been making waves. Dubbed the “new Angel Di Maria,” Fernandez has piqued the interest of Liverpool’s scouting department, who have already drawn comparisons between him and the iconic Argentine winger.

According to TBR Football, several Premier League clubs have shown interest in Fernandez, but it’s his reported dream to play at Anfield that has caught Liverpool fans’ attention.

Fernandez’s Rising Star at Velez

Born in 2004, Fernandez has had a breakout season in 2024. After debuting in 2023 with just three appearances, this year has seen him step up his game significantly. He has already contributed five goals and nine assists across 33 games, marking him as one of the top young prospects in the Argentine league.

Photo: IMAGO

According to TBR Football, Fernandez has impressed scouts with his versatility and raw talent. Although he plays primarily on the left wing, his playstyle has drawn comparisons to a young Di Maria, but with one key difference: while both Di Maria and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah favour cutting inside on their left foot, Fernandez is right-footed. This variation could offer Liverpool a new attacking dynamic.

Can Fernandez Replace Salah?

With Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool still uncertain, particularly with rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia, the club’s Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, is preparing for a potential departure. Replacing Salah is a monumental task—one that cannot be achieved by simply signing a single player. But Fernandez could be a key piece in a broader strategy to mitigate the loss of Liverpool’s Egyptian King.

At just 20 years old, Fernandez has plenty of room to grow. As TBR Football rightly pointed out, he still needs to increase his goal involvement to secure a move to a top Premier League side. However, his potential is evident, and with his contract at Velez expiring in 2025, Liverpool could negotiate a value-for-money deal.

“Playing in Europe, and specifically for Liverpool, is my dream,” Fernandez shared with TyC Sports during a session for journalism students at his university. It’s clear that he’s setting his sights high, and Liverpool might just be the perfect destination for him to realise those ambitions.

Beyond Football: Fernandez’s Unique Interests

While his on-field talent has garnered attention, Fernandez’s off-field pursuits could also make him a smart acquisition. He’s currently studying Kinesiology and Physical Therapy at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana, showing a keen interest in sports medicine.

In an interview during a university session, Fernandez remarked on the importance of mental health in football: “The amount of pressure there is, the nervousness, the anxiety, there are a lot of mental issues that need to be worked on by players. It also has a physical impact—if they are not mentally well, it affects their injuries.”

Such mature reflections on both mental and physical preparation highlight that Fernandez is not just focused on football but also understands the holistic demands of being a top-level athlete.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

As Liverpool continue to keep an eye on Julian Fernandez, the Velez Sarsfield winger’s performance data and stats provide a crucial insight into whether he could be a future star at Anfield. According to Fbref, Fernandez has showcased some promising qualities that align with Liverpool’s attacking style, but there are areas that still require development.

Impressive Goal Contributions

At just 20 years old, Fernandez has already tallied five goals and nine assists across 33 appearances this season. His ability to both create and finish opportunities is impressive, especially considering his age and relatively limited experience. These numbers suggest he has the potential to thrive in a high-tempo, offensive system like Liverpool’s. His versatility as a left-winger, while being right-footed, also allows for tactical flexibility, something Arne Slot could undoubtedly utilise.

Key Areas for Improvement

While Fernandez’s attacking output is promising, his overall stats highlight room for growth. His goal conversion rate, while respectable, is not yet at the elite level required in the Premier League. Moreover, his defensive contribution is still a work in progress—pressing and tracking back are crucial in Liverpool’s system. Fernandez will need to enhance his defensive awareness to fully fit the club’s demanding tactical requirements.

Can He Step Up to Liverpool’s Level?

Though Fernandez’s current numbers may not scream superstar status yet, his raw talent and potential are clear. With the right coaching and time, he could develop into a formidable winger for Liverpool. As his contract runs until 2025, Liverpool would need to assess whether his upward trajectory continues before making a concrete move.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the prospect of signing Julian Fernandez is an intriguing one. His versatility on the left wing and his Di Maria-esque flair provide a tantalising glimpse of what he could offer to an attack that may be losing Mohamed Salah. However, expecting him to fill Salah’s shoes entirely might be a stretch—he’s young, and while his potential is evident, his goal involvement still lags behind what would be expected at a top Premier League club.

That being said, Liverpool have a history of nurturing young talent, and Fernandez’s desire to don the famous red shirt should not be underestimated. His dedication to both football and academic pursuits suggests a level of maturity that could benefit him in the demanding Premier League environment.

If Sporting Director Richard Hughes can secure a deal at the right price, Fernandez could offer Liverpool an exciting long-term option on the left flank. While he may not be a like-for-like replacement for Salah, his addition could bolster the squad’s depth and creativity as Arne Slot continues to shape the team in his image. Could we see Fernandez gracing the Anfield turf in the near future? Only time will tell.