With the January transfer deadline day throwing up all sorts of interesting and unexpected deals, the one making the most headlines is a move that has been on the cards since before the window opened.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been as thrilling as it has been baffling. The figures reported are a product of both the spiralling football transfer market, and also the gung-ho attitude of Chelsea under the stewardship of new owner Todd Boehly.
They have been throwing cash around all month long with an outlay of over £200m pounds already – unheard-of figures for a January window. They could add another £115m to that number if they get the Fernandez deal over the line.
On the deadline day, it had been reported by 90 minutes earlier that Chelsea and Benfica had agreed to a £115 million deal for Fernandez, with a Portuguese physical scheduled. The player’s release clause is worth £105 million, and with the additional add-ons, the contract will be worth £115 million.
By surpassing the £100 million Jack Grealish received from Manchester City in the summer of 2021, it will set a new British transfer record.
Does Enzo Fernandez merit the price paid?
No, not if we take his playing and performing during his career very literally. Not worth £115 million is Fernandez. However, since Chelsea is essentially paying for his potential, that is not the only consideration in a trade of this nature.
They are paying for the fact that Benfica obviously believes he will develop into a far better player than he is at the moment. Chelsea is also overpaying because to Benfica losing a crucial player in the January transfer window.
In addition to all of that, Fernandez was a key component of a World Cup-winning team less than a month ago. A football transfer consists of the player’s current market value, plus any additional taxes you may feel are appropriate. Everyone is aware of Chelsea’s wealth and their lack of care about paying is another extra tax.
If he delivers, there is a good chance that this deal won’t seem too outrageous in the coming years given the way the market is continuing to expand.
Fernandez was valued at €55m in December 2022 by Transfermarkt if you prefer a more binary perspective.
At the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez
As many predicted that the now-22-year-old Fernandez would be one of the breakthrough stars of the Qatar World Cup, Fernandez’s name was already beginning to carry some weight before to the competition. That is exactly what happened.
Even though Argentina lost the first game against Saudi Arabia, he entered and looked impressive. Before playing 79 minutes against Poland and contributing an assist, he first played 30 minutes against Mexico and scored.
In the round of 16, against Australia, that was sufficient for Lionel Scaloni to give him the full 90 minutes, and from that point on, he participated in every minute of the competition. Should he be assigned with anything, the high-level experience he’ll have will be essential.
Enzo Fernandez: How would he fit at Chelsea?
As new players join the club, outcomes fluctuate, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how Chelsea plays at the present. Graham Potter, the manager, is still a long way from knowing who his ideal starting lineup is. Boehly will anticipate that Fernandez will enter the game right immediately, that much is certain.
He could play in a two-man midfield as a part of the 4-2-3-1 configuration, which has primarily been utilized by Benfica. Given that Jorginho is on his way to Arsenal, doing so would require pairing him most likely with Mateo Kovacic.
How Chelsea might position Enzo Fernandez on the field
Playing Fernandez on the right side of Chelsea’s midfield three would be ideal for him; the question is whether Chelsea has the necessary players to make that possible. Potter will have a difficult time doing it, but he must employ the pricey star in some way.
