Fernandez signs Chelsea deal until 2031

Chelsea have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a British record fee, writes KEALAN HUGHES.

The Blues left it late after tracking the midfielder since the start of the January window.

But Benfica finally relented and accepted an offer worth £106million for the World Cup winner.

That bid triggered Fernandez’s release clause but the deal still proved tricky to complete as Chelsea were keen to spread their payment over a series of instalments.

That proved a sticking point in negotiations but both clubs have finally settled on an agreed payment schedule.

The move is set to be a British record, surpassing the £100m Manchester City paid to sign Jack Grealish in 2021.

Fernandez, 22, completed a medical in Portugal to finalise the transfer.

He has signed an eight-and-a-half year contract with the Blues, running until June 2031.