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Enzo Fernandez’s signing by Chelsea FC has been officially confirmed and discloses Squad number.
Chelsea Football Club have officially announced that they have completed a deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British record transfer fee.
Enzo Fernández joined Chelsea for a Premier League record fee and with Premier League record expectations.
He has now completed the standard first procedures for recruits, such as posing with the shirt to indicate that he would wear the No. 5 and use his first name, Enzo, rather than his last name, Fernández.
Unless you come from a league where you have something other than your last name on your shirt, you must use your last name in the Premier League. Enzo went by “Enzo” for Benfica (No. 13) and by “E.Fernández” for Argentina (No.24).
The No.5 shirt was only vacant for a day, with Jorginho relinquishing it after leaving for Arsenal on transfer deadline day (where he will wear the No.20).
Prior to Jorgi, Michael Essien and Frank Leboeuf were frequently linked to the No. 5. It was also worn briefly by Kurt Zouma, Alexei Smertin, and Erland Johnsen.
The talented midfielder made an excellent 2022, which included a number of standout displays for Benfica during his first season in Europe. He shone for Argentina in Qatar at the end of last year as they won the world title, and he was voted the competition’s best young player by FIFA.
Early on Wednesday morning, Benfica announced that the Blues would pay a whopping €121 million fee to sign the Argentina World Cup winner.
Although negotiations between the two parties lasted the entirety of the January transfer window, the move was not formally disclosed until after the deadline.
A world champion in Chelsea Blue. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/g5SOPFjlA7
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 1, 2023
However, Chelsea has now officially announced Fernandez’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, making him their eighth and final edition of the winter transfer window.
Chelsea had already brought in Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto, the latter of who will return to Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season.
Upon signing, Fernandez said:
‘I am grateful to Chelsea and its ownership for doing everything they could to make me a part of this project. I’m happy and excited to join the Pride of London, to play in the best league in the world and to compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and help my team-mates on and off the pitch.’
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, said:
‘In Enzo we are signing a World Cup-winner and one of the brightest talents in global football. We are excited to add him to Graham’s 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!’
Smile, and the whole world smiles with you. 😁 pic.twitter.com/TiDhCwlzgB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 1, 2023