EPL: Why are Chelsea so desperate to sign Fernandez?
It is no surprise that the young player of the tournament at a World Cup would attract interest. But that Chelsea would be willing to part with more than 10 times what Benfica paid for Enzo Fernandez barely six months ago represents an extraordinary pursuit of the young midfielder.
The backdrop of Todd Boehly’s seemingly endless month of spending does add some context. But it is still not enough to explain fully why the Blues would break their own all-time transfer record midway through a campaign – without an imminent need to replace anyone – to sign a 22-year-old with a little over half a season of experience in Europe.
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Take the money out of the equation and Fernandez’s signing looks an astute one and, looking forward to the summer and beyond, would provide a transition period ahead of Jorginho’s likely departure.
He would likely be the Italian’s natural successor in Chelsea’s midfield after the Euro 2020 winner’s up-and-down five years in west London, and could well prove a welcome upgrade for Graham Potter’s misfiring side.