Enzo Fernandez keen to leave Benfica in January transfer window

• Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez has attracted interest from clubs across Europe
• Chelsea is at the forefront for the signature of the World Cup winner Fernandez
• Reports now state that the Argentina midfielder is keen to leave the club in the January transfer window

Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Benfica in January, according to a report from 90min, as viewed by SportsLeo.

The 21-year-old World Cup winner is one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, but he has a €120 million release clause that, according to Benfica, must be fully met if Fernandez is to be transferred in January.

SportsLeo revealed earlier this week that Benfica had negotiations with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United about potential deals, and sources have now verified that Chelsea are really pushing for his signature.

Benfica, however, is steadfast in their insistence that Fernandez’s release clause must be activated, which would necessitate the whole upfront payment and something Chelsea is currently reluctant to accept.

Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez is in action for Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder is ready to leave the club in the January transfer window. | PHOTO: Football London |

As they did in their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea are willing to pay more than the release clause in order to convince Benfica to approve a deal, and reports state that there is confidence within Stamford Bridge that they can sign Fernandez, who has been on their radar since his time in Argentina.

Benfica, however, is steadfast in their insistence that Fernandez’s release clause must be activated, which would necessitate the whole upfront payment and something Chelsea is currently reluctant to accept.

Benfica, however, is steadfast in their insistence that Fernandez’s release clause must be activated, which would necessitate the whole upfront payment and something Chelsea is currently reluctant to accept.

As they did in their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea are willing to pay more than the release clause in order to convince Benfica to approve a deal, and 90min has been informed that there is confidence within Stamford Bridge that they can sign Fernandez, who has been on their radar since his time in Argentina.

Enzo Fernandez is ready to leave Benfica in the January transfer window and he might be heading to Premier League side Chelsea. | PHOTO: Gualter Fatia |

Fernandez is eager to transfer and is fully aware of the Chelsea offer, which has personal terms that have already been agreed upon in principle. 90min is aware that he prefers to join in January rather than wait until the summer.

Despite their staunch attitude, reports have stated that Benfica has begun considering prospective successors, one of which might be Fernandez’s native countryman in the form of prodigy Maximo Perrone of Velez Sarsfield.

Chelsea wants to revamp their midfield in 2023, and along with Fernandez, they’re hoping to finally sign Declan Rice from West Ham United.

Although Rice has suitors from all across the Premier League, Chelsea is hoping that his history with the club—he went through the Blues’ system before being released at the age of 14—will give them an edge over their rivals.