Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a club record fee of €120 million, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues have agreed to pay the €120m release clause in Enzo’s Benfica contract and with the deadline fast approaching, the clubs are rushing to get it over the line.
The Argentine is set to sign a lengthy contract at Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting a seven-and-a-half year deal. Chelsea have been chasing Fernandez for much of the January transfer window and were close to signing him earlier in the window. Negotiations broke down but were resurrected in recent days.
The transfer makes Enzo the most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history, overtaking Romelu Lukaku’s move from Inter in the summer of 2021. Enzo Fernandez becomes the fifth most expensive player in history and also Benfica’s biggest ever sale. Fernandez was one of the best midfielders at the 2022 World Cup, playing a key role as Argentina won the trophy.
The 21-year-old broke into the Argentina starting XI during the group stages after scoring a brilliant goal against Mexico. He went on to be named Young Player of the Tournament, winning plaudits the world over.
Chelsea win race to sign Enzo Fernandez
His performances led to interest from a host of top clubs around Europe. Premier League giants Man Utd, Liverpool and Newcastle were interested, while Real Madrid were also watching him closely. However, it is Chelsea who have got their man as they look to revamp an ageing midfield.
Chelsea have had a busy January transfer window, spending over €300m on the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and the loan of Joao Felix. Fernandez joined Benfica for €18m and proved to be a bargain.
He scored four goals and provided six assists this season for a Benfica team who are top of the Portuguese league. They also topped their Champions League group above PSG, winning home and away versus Juventus. Fernandez’s performances also saw him hailed by national teammate Lionel Messi.
What did Messi say about Enzo Fernandez?
"I’m not surprised by Enzo. I know him and I see him train every day," Messi said. "He deserves it because he’s a spectacular player."
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