Enzo Fernandez is the player making all of the headlines going into the January transfer window.
After a remarkable World Cup campaign, the Argentine is being linked to almost every club under the sun, but two leaders in this race have emerged – Chelsea and Liverpool.
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Fernandez has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, while Liverpool have apparently had conversations with Jorge Mendes about this move.
Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, Simon Phillips has claimed that the Blues are willing to pay over the odds to sign Fernandez.
The player has a €120m release clause, but Chelsea are ready to pay more than that amount in order to reach a deal with a more favourable payment structure.
Chelsea ready to pay up
Phillips spoke about Chelsea and Fernandez.
“It’ll be a mega deal to get Enzo Fernandez across to Chelsea,” Phillips said.
“Chelsea and a couple of other clubs, I think, have made offers for Fernandez in the last week.
“Obviously, he’s got that buyout clause, which is €120million. Chelsea are trying to pay more than that, at the moment, in order to structure the deal how they want it to be done. It will give them more favourable terms in the deal on the payment.”
Money worth more now
Benfica could receive huge money for Fernandez from Chelsea, but they would have to take staggered payments it would seem.
While a higher fee is appealing, having €120m in the bank straight away may be more valuable than, for example, €150m spread over a number of years.
With the way inflation is going these days, that cash is worth less and less with each passing day, while Benfica will want to spend big on a replacement if they can.
Chelsea’s offer may be higher than what other clubs are willing to pay, but Benfica may be best off looking to sell the ‘complete’ midfielder for a huge lump sum as soon as possible.
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