Chelsea’s massive spending spree continued when they broke the British transfer record to sign Enzo Fernández for £106.8 million after a rushed day of negotiations with Benfica.
The deal takes Chelsea’s spending under the Todd Boehly ownership to more than £500m and is another sign of their determination to dominate the transfer market.
Graham Potter will hope Fernández makes his side stronger in central midfield after they allowed Jorginho to move to Arsenal.
The deal was reached with Benfica about two hours before the window shut at 11pm UK time.
Fernández’s contract contained a €120m (£105.9m) release clause and Benfica were adamant it be paid in full. Chelsea failed with a bid for the 22-year-old earlier in the window but had made him their top target in midfield but talks reopened over the weekend.
Chelsea, who with this deal have bought 16 players since last season ended, were reluctant to trigger the clause because of concerns over breaching financial fair play regulations. Negotiations centred around payment structures that would satisfy FFP rules. Chelsea eventually agreed to pay more than the clause but over several instalments.
The deal eclipses the previous British record – Jack Grealish’s £100m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021. Benfica signed him last year from River Plate, who are have a 25% sell-on clause.
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