Aheed Abrar
Chelsea ‘willing’ to pay release clause of SL Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez amidst Manchester United interest
Premier League rivals Chelsea are ‘willing’ to pay the release clause of SL Benfica star Enzo Fernandez amidst interest from Manchester United, according to talkSPORT (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The 21-year-old’s current contract with the Eagles runs until 2027 (transfermarkt). However, it includes a release clause in the region of £105–£106 million.
After Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, the Red Devils have the midfielder on their radar. The youngster turned many heads with his performances in Qatar.
Graham Potter currently has the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in his ranks. However, the Italian and French duo’s contracts at the Stamford Bridge side expire at the end of the season.
Fernandez joined Benfica from River Plate in the recent transfer window. He has immediately become a key player for Roger Schmidt at the Primeira Liga outfit.
The Lisbon-based club are unbeaten in the current campaign. This season, the Argentina international has featured in 24 games in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists.
After coming on as a substitute for Argentina in the first two group-stage fixtures, the 21-year-old cemented his place in Lionel Scaloni’s plans. He started in every fixture after the Mexico game and went on to lift the golden trophy in Qatar.
United’s engine room was reinforced in the summer of 2022 with the arrival of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. The duo have made an instant impact under Erik ten Hag.
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While the Danish and Brazilian stars have been brilliant this term for the Red Devils, they will both turn 31 in February. Also, we seemingly lack depth in the middle of the park with the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek on the bench.
Fernandez is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in the number six and number eight position. Hopefully, the Old Trafford side are able to get a good deal on the 21-year-old and will bring him to Manchester in the coming future.
