Transfer Centre

Record signing Enzo Fernandez "excited" to join Chelsea

By Ben Sully | 01 February 2023

Enzo Fernandez admits that he is "happy and excited" to join Chelsea after joining the Blues from Benfica in a British transfer record.

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.

Benfica's Enzo Fernandez pictured on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Fernandez has claimed that he is "grateful" to the Chelsea owners for their work in getting the deal done.

Fernandez told the Chelsea official website/a>: "I am grateful to Chelsea and its ownership for doing everything they could to make me a part of this project."

"I'm happy and excited to join the Pride of London, to play in the best league in the world and to compete for the biggest trophies. I can't wait to play in front of our fans and help my teammates on and off the pitch."

The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful 2022 World Cup with eventual winners Argentina, featuring in all seven games in Qatar and contributing with one goal and one assist.

As a result of his impressive performances, Fernandez received the Best Young Player of the tournament award.

Chelsea owner and chairman Todd Boehly pictured in the stands on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

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.