Record signing Enzo Fernandez “excited” to join Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez has expressed his delight after he completed a deadline day move to Chelsea from Benfica.
The Blues had been linked in the Argentina international throughout the transfer window, but their initial attempts to complete the transfer were unsuccessful as Benfica attempted to keep hold of the midfielder.
However, Chelsea reignited their interest late in the January window, and following drawn-out negotiations, they managed to agree a transfer on deadline day.
A deal sheet was required to complete the €121m (£106.3m) transfer, which is a British transfer record and is expected to be paid in instalments.
After leaving Benfica with four goals and seven assists to his name in 29 appearances, Fernandez has signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea.
Chelsea Chairman Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali reportedly played a leading role in negotiations, and the pair have expressed their excitement about the signing.
“In Enzo we are signing a World Cup winner and one of the brightest talents in global football,” Boehly and Eghbali said.
“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 the Blues against West London rivals Fulham in Friday’s Premier League home meeting.
End of line
