World Cup star Enzo Fernandez reveals major Benfica decision following Chelsea’s £114m January transfer agreement
Chelsea transfer target Enzo Fernandez decided to return to Benfica training on Tuesday after missing two training sessions the previous day following the Portuguese club’s 3-0 defeat to Braga on Friday. The 21-year-old has been the recipient of intense speculation linking him with a switch to west London, with the Blues appearing close to finalizing an agreement with Benfica for his transfer.
Multiple reports have indicated that Chelsea has agreed on a fee in the region of £ 114 million as opposed to paying his release clause with Benfica set to receive the funds across multiple equal installments. With his name capturing a lot of headlines, Fernandez was set to be on the bench for Benfica’s league return last week, but after a conversation with manager Roger Schmidt, Fernandez was handed a start from the off, lasting 89 minutes.
After the defeat, the Portuguese outlet Record reported that Fernandez was absent from two separate Benfica training sessions on Monday. It’s understood that the midfield maestro flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Braga game to spend the New Year with his family, despite not receiving permission from the club. Following his actions, Fernandez will likely receive a fine and has been warned about his conduct by the club.
Fernandez’s stance on a move to Stamford Bridge is clear, it is now up to Benfica President Rui Costa to decide whether or not the club will accept Chelsea’s terms. In the meantime, after missing two training sessions, Fernandez decided to return to Benfica training on Tuesday.
As captured by A bola, a Portuguese news outlet, Fernandez arrived at Benfica’s training ground ahead of preparations for their next league outing against Portimonense on Friday.
Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the deal is at an ‘advanced stage’ with the Italian journalist revealing that the transfer is moving fast and the fee is set at €127million (£112million) and that the final details and intricacies of the move are the only things left to be finalized.
