Chelsea have confirmed they have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a new British transfer record, and the finer details or the blockbuster move have been detailed.
The Blues were once again the biggest spenders in the market last month, forking out huge fees to sign the likes of Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk.
However, an even bigger prize was in Todd Boehly’s sights, with World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez the American’s primary midfield focus.
A move for the Benfica ace was explored earlier in the window, though Benfica repeatedly pointed Chelsea towards the player’s colossal €120m release clause.
Talks were shelved mid-way through the month and Chelsea turned their attention to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
Neither the Blues or Arsenal could make Brighton sing after both saw sizeable bids rejected. The Gunners quickly turned to Jorginho, while Chelsea sought to complete their unfinished business with Fernandez.
Now, a brief 11-word statement has confirmed Fernandez is officially a Chelsea player.
Accompanying a welcome video, a club statement read: “The Argentinian midfielder has completed his transfer from Benfica to Chelsea!”
Fernandez’s contract will run until the summer of 2031, per Fabrizio Romano.
Third club to benefit from Enzo Fernandez transfer
The previous British transfer record stood at the £100m Man City paid Aston Villa to sign Jack Grealish.
That record has now fallen, with Fernandez due to cost £106.9m when all is said and done.
The deal has been structured to include instalments, though Chelsea will pay a sizeable fee up front.
David Ornstein reported the initial payment is worth €34m (approx. £30m), with Chelsea to pay the rest in five future instalments.
Fabrizio Romano had a different view on the numbers, reporting the up front fee is £40m. The transfer guru added the rest will then be paid in five further instalments.
In any case, what is clear is Enzo Fernandez is the most expensive player in British football history. He’s also a blue, and a third club in River Plate will also greatly benefit from the deal.
Romano tweeted the Argentine side – who Fernandez played for before joining Benfica – are in line to receive 25 percent of the total transfer fee.
That will equate to a hefty £26.725m, though they’ll obviously receive it over time and not all straight away.
Upon completion of the move, Chelsea’s total transfer spend since the new regime took charge has surpassed £550m.
