Chelsea have signed midfielder, Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in a British record transfer for £105.6m.
Graham Potter’s Blues saw previous bids for Fernandez this month snubbed but finally agreed to meet his release clause of £105.6m, albeit in instalments for financial fair play purposes rather than as one huge payment.
Fernandez’s move to Chelsea also comes after he was also linked with Newcastle and Liverpool following a series of stunning performances at 2022 FIFA World Cup, in which he helped Argentina to the title with one goal and assist apiece plus won Young Player of Tournament award.
This move also sees Fernandez depart Benfica just six months after he joined the Portuguese club from River Plate, during which he has scored four goals in 29 appearances.
Fernandez has signed an eight-and-a-half year contract until June 2031 and wiill wear the number five shirt, previously occupied by Jorginho who departed for Arsenal on Deadline Day.
Speaking about his decision to join Chelsea, Fernandez commented: “I am grateful to Chelsea and its ownership for doing everything they could to make me a part of this project.
“I’m happy and excited to join the Pride of London, to play in the best league in the world and to compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and help my teammates on and off the pitch.”
Chelsea Chairman, Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner, Behdad Eghbali added: “In Enzo we are signing a World Cup-winner and one of the brightest talents in global football.
“We are excited to add him to Graham’s squad and we are sure he will form an important part of our team going forward. Enzo has demonstrated his ability at the very highest levels so we’re looking forward to seeing what he will do in Chelsea blue!”
Fernandez could make his debut for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday 3 February against Fulham, in Friday Night Football live on Sky Sports.
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