Chelsea have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica after agreeing a British record €120million (£106m) deal to sign the Argentina World Cup winner.
The transfer was not finalised by the time of Tuesday’s 11pm GMT transfer deadline. Chelsea submitted a deal sheet and asked for an extension to complete the paperwork on the move.
Fernandez’s move from Benfica to Chelsea was an international transaction — which gave the Premier League side an additional hour to finalise the details.
Chelsea eventually confirmed Fernandez’s arrival in the early hours of Wednesday morning on their official website.
Chelsea will pay a first tranche of €34million ahead of five further payments.
Fernandez, who was left out of Benfica’s squad for their Primeira Liga fixture at Arouca on Tuesday, underwent a medical in Lisbon ahead of the move, which was finally agreed during the club’s 3-0 win.
The previous British transfer record was set when Manchester City paid Aston Villa £100m to sign the England international Jack Grealish in August 2021.
Chelsea had been pursuing the Argentina midfielder throughout the January window.
They renewed their push to bring him into Stamford Bridge on Monday and were locked in discussions with Benfica throughout Tuesday as they attempted to make a breakthrough.
Fernandez had a €120million release clause in his contract with Benfica.
The 22-year-old only joined Benfica last summer from his boyhood club River Plate for £10m. He has made 17 appearances for the Portuguese side.
He starred as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last month.
Chelsea sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in record £106m deal
By Hassan Muaz
