Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea and Benfica’s transfer talks expected to go down to the wire

Discussions have been described as ‘fractious’ as Benfica refuse to budge on their demands

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Tuesday 31 January 2023 14:00 GMT
Comments
FILE: Chelsea could break British transfer record in signing Enzo Fernandez

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez is expected to go very late, as Benfica refuse to budge on their demands, in what have been described as fractious talks.

As reported by The Independent on Monday, the Portuguese club have been insistent that Chelsea pay the midfielder’s £106million release clause if they want the deal done.

Such a move would bring expensive tax costs, so the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have attempted to come up with a deal worth slightly more than that clause, that can be paid in installments.

Chelsea have put forward a number of different options, like the fee being front-loaded to the first payment. Benfica have been unwilling to accept this, and their stance has been repeated.

It is not impossible that Chelsea walk away, but they will continue to try and get the deal done over the next few hours.

Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in