Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to beat Barcelona to the signing of Spanish teenage sensation Jesus Fernandez – nicknamed Suso.
Benitez brings in a Spanish star in the making.
The Rumour
Benitez’s spies have been to see the Cadiz youngster, an attacking midfielder in the Cesc Fabregas mould, and he hopes his Spanish connections will help him win the race.
Suso has been offered a deal at Barca but his advisors think he could get lost in their ‘system’ while Benitez has big plans to bring in top young talent at Anfield after a recent reshuffle.
The Source: (Daily Mirror)
The Analysis
If this news is correct then Liverpool have stole a march on the Nou Camp side and found themselves a bargain. Due to restrictions in Spain Jesus Fernandez couldn’t sign a formal contract at any Spanish club until he reaches the age of 17 which of course gives Premier League clubs the chance of pouncing on impressive young talent and picking them up for a nominal fee at best. This is of course how Arsene Wenger nabbed Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona a few years back and whilst comparisons to top notch players often fail to assist a player it is indeed good news for Rafa that he appears to have picked up another good young prospect for his impressive Academy team.
The club has used their reserve set up wisely and helped bring through some top talents under their previous boss Gary Ablett, this job now falls to John McMahon, brother of former Anfield hero Steve, and it is from this developing group of players that Benitez can really build for the future.
Jesus Fernandez will of course have plenty of fellow Spaniards to help him through the early stages of his career and his countrymen will assist him settling in at the club.
The Likelihood
Fernandez to Liverpool: Done deal apparently!