Enzo Fernandez received what could be described as massive love from Argentines through his brother, Tobais, as he completed his transfer to Chelsea FC.
In a video shared with him after he made it to Chelsea, one of his brothers named Tobais, was heard saying, on behalf of Argentines: “Hi Bro, it’s Tobias Here. It’s a pleasure, a pride, and an honor that the club chose me to show you all the affection and love that us Argentines and everyone who knows you has for you.”
Tobias who was chosen by Chelsea to relay the message continued: “I wish you the best, you deserve this. You are a great player in a great club”
“All the best for this new challenge, I’m sure that you will do amazing! We love you, and you know that’s truth!”
“Sending you some cumbia, See you soon mate“, Tobias concluded.
Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder, was acquired by Chelsea from Benfica for a British-record £106.8 million transfer fee.
The Argentine deal exceeds the £100 million Manchester City paid to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish 18 months ago.
The 22-year-old, who only joined Benfica last summer for over £10 million, has committed to Stamford Bridge for eight and a half years, keeping him with the team until the summer of 2031.
Thursday, February 2, sees Chelsea officially announce Fernandez’s acquisition with the message “Hola.”
Chelsea and Benfica had been in negotiations for the World Cup champion throughout the month of January, but Benfica would not agree to a deal unless Chelsea met his €120 million release clause.
Nevertheless, after 12 hours of negotiations spearheaded by Chelsea’s co-owner Behdad Eghbali from London, the club reached a €121 million agreement at 9.15 p.m. on deadline Day.
The first installment from the Blues will be for £30 million, with the remaining sum to be paid in five additional installments.
The 22-year-old was absent from the Benfica team for their match against Arouca on Tuesday night because he was in Portugal for a medical before moving to Stamford Bridge.
According to Portuguese television station SIC, Fernandez took a private jet from Lisbon airport at 10.20 am on Wednesday to travel to the UK.
Fernandez will replace Jorginho, who signed a £12 million agreement to join Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal on Deadline Day.
Enzo Fernandez
Argentine professional footballer Enzo Jeremas Fernandez (born 17 January 2001) plays central midfield for Premier League club Chelsea and the Argentina national team.
After graduating from River Plate’s academy, Fernández made his first-team debut in 2019 and then played on loan for Defensa y Justicia for two seasons.
He had a productive season there, culminating in victories in the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana, before moving back to River Plate in 2021.
After his return, Fernández became a key member of the team and helped the team win the 2021 Argentine Primera División.
What Chelsea Saw In Fernandez
He was added to Argentina’s 26-man roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on November 11.
On November 26, after replacing Guido Rodriguez in the 57th minute, Fernández netted his first goal for Argentina against Mexico to seal a 2-0 group stage victory.
He did it at the age of 21 years, ten months, and thirteen days, making him the second-youngest player ever (behind only Lionel Messi) to score a World Cup goal for Argentina.
He set a fairly obscure record on December 3, when attempting to block Craig Goodwin’s effort in Argentina’s round of 16 victory over Australia, the ball deflected into his team’s goal and he became the tournament’s youngest ever own goal scorer.
Fernández participated in the final versus France, where Argentina won the World Cup by a score of 4-2 on penalties after defeating Croatia 3-0 in the semifinal.
He was recognized as the competition’s top young player – a major reason why Chelsea wanted him at all cost.
