In a dramatic conclusion to the January transfer window, Chelsea finalized the £106.8 million ($131m) acquisition of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez on Tuesday.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Benfica acknowledged the sale of Fernandez for an alleged sum that surpasses the British transfer record established by Jack Grealish in 2021. In a series of crucial midfield decisions, the Blues kept Conor Gallagher while selling Jorginho to Arsenal and pursuing Moises Caicedo late in the transfer window.
The 22-year-old Fernandez has signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him employed at Stamford Bridge till the end of 2031.
Because of a contract in their sale of Fernandez to Benfica in June 2022, River Plate will reportedly receive a £26.7 million part of the transfer money.
In January, Stamford Bridge welcomed Fernandez together with Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, and Joao Felix. One of the busiest winters any club has ever had is a reflection of Chelsea’s pressing need to finish the season on a high note. They are presently occupying the tenth spot in the Premier League.
Given that Felix made his Premier League debut for Chelsea the day after leaving Atletico Madrid, Fernandez might not need much of an adjustment time. The team led by Graham Potter will face Fulham on Friday and West Ham on February 11.
