Chelsea, a professional soccer team in England, seem to have not given up on signing ‘Rising Star’ Enzo Fernandez (21). Previously, negotiations with Benfica (Portugal) failed to narrow the gap over the transfer fee, but it was reported that they tried to make contact again recently.
Reporter Gaston Edul, who is well versed in Argentina’s internal news, said on the 24th (Korean time) through social network service (SNS), “Chelsea is moving again to sign Fernandez,” and said, “The winter transfer window in January is closed. We will push ahead with the transfer negotiations again until then.”
Fernandez is a ‘surprise star’ who made a big success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and announced his true value. In fact, he is a ‘new player’ who made his A match debut in September of last year, but while being selected by coach Lionel Scaloni (44, Argentina), he played from the group stage to the final and defended the midfield. Among the Argentine players, only 8 played in all matches, regardless of starting or substituting.
Fernandez, who started as a central midfielder, protected the defensive line and led the rear build-up. He used his excellent press and ball-keeping ability to intermittently rise to a high position, supplying forward passes or finishing himself. He recorded 7 total clears, 1 blocked shot, 3 interceptions and 22 completed tackles in 7 games. He also recorded 8 shots, 6 chances created, and 3 dribble breakthroughs, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist in the process. 스포츠토토
In this performance, Fernandez embraced the ‘Young Player Award’ given to players under the age of 21, and was baptized with ‘Love Calls’ from big clubs. Among them, he was strongly connected with Chelsea, who showed the most active interest, and entered into a transfer ‘countdown’ by signing a personal agreement in an instant.
However, as the transfer fee negotiations between the clubs went through difficulties, the weight leaned toward remaining. Chelsea were reluctant to invest 120 million euros (approximately 161 billion won), the amount allowed for transfer (buyout), while Benfica stood firm.
However, in the midst of an urgent need to reinforce the midfield, Chelsea jumped back into the recruitment of Fernandez with the winter transfer window closing in front. According to reporter Edul, they plan to push for negotiations by including one player in the contract along with a transfer fee of 100 million euros (approximately 134 billion won).
If Chelsea succeed in signing Fernandes, they will spend 100 million euros for the second time after signing Mihailo Mudrik (22) earlier. The total transfer fee spent during the winter transfer market alone will exceed 300 million euros (approximately 403 billion won).
Meanwhile, Fernandez grew up in the River Plate (Argentina) youth team and succeeded until his professional debut, then moved to Benfica in June of last year and entered the European stage. This season, he appeared in 28 official matches, scoring 4 goals and 7 assists. According to Transfermarkt, a media specializing in the transfer market, the current market value has risen to 55 million euros (approximately 74 billion won).