Enzo Fernandez has finally signed for Chelsea, becoming the Premier League’s record signing after the Blues met his £106.8million (€121m) release clause at Benfica.
Fernandez, who was named Young Player of the Tournament after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, was strongly linked with Chelsea earlier in the transfer window before talks broke down.
However, the big-spending Blues went back in for him with the end of the window drawing closer, signing Fernandez to a long-term contract rumoured to run until 2031 with confirmation arriving an hour and a half after the transfer window closed.
Chelsea submitted the relevant paperwork in time and Benfica were first to announce details of the deal on their official website on Wednesday.
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His arrival takes Chelsea’s spending to a reported £288.5m (€328.5m) in January alone, with the midfielder becoming their eighth signing of the window.
Fernandez only joined Benfica from River Plate last year but has played a starring role for them since making that move, helping the Portuguese giants top their Champions League group.
He had looked likely to remain in Lisbon at least until the end of the season, but Chelsea revisited the deal with head coach Graham Potter reportedly keen for midfield reinforcements.
The fee surpasses the previous Premier League transfer record, set by Jack Grealish’s £100m switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021.
Fernandez could make his Chelsea debut against Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Friday, as the Blues look to climb the table after a poor run of form saw them drop to 10th position.
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