The January transfer deadline day was certainly not going to end without some late drama, with Chelsea finally reaching an agreement in principle with Benfica for the signing of Enzo Fernandez. After hours of negotiating on Tuesday, the saga has come to an end with the Portuguese club accepting to allow the Argentinian midfielder to depart for a club-record $130.3M fee.
According to transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano, both Chelsea and Benfica are now racing against time to get all the necessary documents signed before the transfer window closes at 11pm midnight in the UK. An earlier report also indicated that a medical has also been scheduled in Portugal for Enzo, and the player is expected to immediately jet off to London should all go according to plan.
Enzo Fernández to Chelsea… HERE WE GO! Agreement reached right now between Chelsea & Benfica #CFC #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023
Important: clubs running to get the documents signed before end of the window, it's finally agreed.
Boarding set to be completed — London ✈️ @TurkishAirlines pic.twitter.com/YGwY4QGseQ
While the official details pertaining to the structure of the deal are yet to be revealed, a report by The Times has stated that Benfica agreed to take the $130.3M fee for Enzo in three installments spread across two years. The player is expected to sign a staggering eight-and-a-half year deal.
More to follow...
