CHELSEA have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a British record fee.
The Blues left it late after tracking the midfielder since the start of the January window.
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But Benfica finally relented and accepted an offer worth £106million for the World Cup winner.
That bid triggered Fernandez’s release clause but the deal still proved tricky to complete as Chelsea were keen to spread their payment over a series of instalments.
That proved a sticking point in negotiations but both clubs have finally settled on an agreed payment schedule.
The move is set to be a British record, surpassing the £100m Manchester City paid to sign Jack Grealish in 2021.
Fernandez, 22, completed a medical in Portugal to finalise the transfer.
He has signed an eight-and-a-half year contract with the Blues, running until June 2031.
The Argentina international has been aware of Chelsea’s interest since last month and was always keen to make the move.
Fernandez was said to have informed Benfica that he wished to leave the Stadio da Luz, much to the annoyance of manager Roger Schmidt.
The youngster will take the place of Jorgino in midfield after the Italian was sold to Arsenal.
Jorginho put pen to paper on an 18-month deal with the option of a further year at The Emirates after sealing a £12m move.
Chelsea have been the biggest spenders of the January window by far after also bringing in Myhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Dafro Fofana, and Joao Felix.
