Chelsea’s owners explain for the first time why they spent £106 million on Enzo Fernandez.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were persuaded to spend the money after seeing the player in Qatar.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, co-owners of Chelsea, have stated for the first time why they broke the British transfer record to recruit Enzo Fernandez.
The 22-year-old World Cup winner was officially announced as the Blues’ new £106.8 million signing on Wednesday, shattering both the club and national transfer records in the process.
According to Standard Sport, both Boehly and Eghbali first chose to sign Fernandez after seeing him in person in Qatar, going on weeks of difficult discussions with Benfica before reaching an agreement with just minutes remaining in the January transfer window.
Fernandez acknowledged the large cash paid to get him to Stamford Bridge in his first interview as a Chelsea player, and those in charge of the piggy bank have now explained why.
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“We are signing a World Cup champion and one of the brightest talents in global football in Enzo,” said Boehly and Eghbali in a joint statement.
“We are excited to add him to Graham’s [Potter, manager] squad and we are sure he will form an important part of our team going forward.
“Enzo has demonstrated his ability at the very highest levels so we’re looking forward to seeing what he will do in Chelsea blue!”
On Friday evening, Fernandez might make his debut against Fulham.
A deal between Chelsea and Benfica over how the fee would be structured was sealed in the final hours of the January transfer window – a £30 million upfront fee followed by five instalments – with an agreement reportedly reached at 9:15pm UK time.
The transfer has been confirmed in a statement by Benfica.
