Enzo Fernández ready to force January exit
The Argentinean has returned to training after travelling to Buenos Aires without permission from the club to spend New Year’s Eve.
The relationship between Benfica and Enzo Fernández has entered a particularly delicate moment. The Argentinean, recent world champion in Qatar with the Albiceleste, flew back to Buenos Aires to spend New Year’s Eve - without permission from his club. A move which sparked outrage from Benfica fans, and the Lisbon-based club responded with an ultimatum. They demanded that he return to work immediately with the threat of a fine for violating club disciplinary regulations. And simmering in the background is Enzo’s desire to leave to join Chelsea in this month’s transfer window. The Blues, according to the Daily Mail, are willing to pay 127 million euros for him.
Enzo Fernández returned to Benfica’s training ground on Tuesday with plans to hold a meeting with club president, Rui Costa and coach Roger Schmidt. Portuguese sports daily O Jogo reports that the Argentina international player is willing to force his immediate departure and no longer wants to play for Benfica. According to local reports, Enzo will stand his ground and refuse to play this weekend’s league game against Portimonense.
In Argentina, it is being claimed that Enzo and Chelsea have already agreed terms but now the English club needs to do the same with Benfica. The Portuguese giants seem to have reached the conclusion that the only possible solution to the current situation is for Enzo to be sold in this month’s winter window. However, the club is not willing to let him leave on the cheap. Benfica will let Enzo go as long as Chelsea pay the player’s termination clause of 120 million euros in one single payment. The Daily Mail published that the Premier League club are willing to pay 127 million in three payments over the next two years - conditions that Rui Costa would certainly have rejected.
Meanwhile, Enzo’s old club River Plate are closely following how this operation develops. They own 25% of his rights and if his sale to Chelsea goes through, they stand to earn a lucrative payout - close to 33 million euros.