LET GO!! IT’S OFFICIAL – EVERTON FC HIJACK LIVERPOOL TARGET, SIGN HIGHLY-RATED YOUNG TALENT THIAGO FERNANDES ON PRE-CONTRACT
LIVERPOOL – In a stunning Merseyside transfer coup, Everton FC have confirmed they have secured a pre-contract agreement with highly promising young attacker Thiago Fernandes, beating city rivals Liverpool to the signature of the Argentinian talent who had been linked with a move to Anfield.
The deal, announced by Everton on Wednesday, will see the 22-year-old join the Toffees ahead of the 2026-27 season when his contract with Vélez Sarsfield expires – correcting earlier reports linking him to Clube de Regatas Brasil. Liverpool had been tracking Fernandes for over a year, with the Reds viewed as front-runners to sign the player described as Vélez’s “great jewel”. However, Everton moved decisively to complete negotiations, landing one of South America’s most sought-after young prospects.
Born in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Fernandes is a versatile attacker who operates primarily as a winger but can also play as a striker. He made his Primera División debut for Vélez Sarsfield in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the first team with his explosive pace, close control and eye for goal. He scored his first professional goal in June 2024 and went on to play a crucial role in helping Vélez secure the 2024 Argentine league title, contributing 5 goals and 7 assists across the campaign. To date, he has made 49 appearances for the club across all competitions, with his performances earning him call-ups to Argentina’s under-23 national team.
Everton head coach David Moyes hailed Fernandes’s decision to choose the Toffees over Liverpool as a significant vote of confidence in the club’s development project. “Thiago is exactly the kind of young, exciting talent we want to bring to Everton,” said the 60-year-old manager. “He had a clear option to join Liverpool, but he chose Everton because he believes in our commitment to nurturing young players and giving them regular first-team opportunities. His ability to change games with his pace and creativity will be a huge asset to us, and we are delighted he has placed his trust in what we are building here – a club focused on long-term success built around emerging talent.”
The transfer adds extra spice to the Merseyside derby rivalry, with Everton moving to secure a player their neighbours had identified as a priority signing. Everton currently sit 9th in the Premier League table with 35 points from 27 matches, while Liverpool occupy 6th place as they chase a top-four finish.
Fernandes will remain with Vélez Sarsfield until the end of the Argentine Primera División season, with Everton planning to bring him to Merseyside for pre-season training to ensure he adapts to the demands of English football.
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