Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica have put out a definitive statement on midfielder Enzo Fernandez, saying that he is not for sale.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup young player of the tournament is attracting attention from all across Europe thanks to his exploits at the just concluded 22nd edition of the global showpiece in Qatar. His £106 million release clause is all that stands in the way of his exit from Benfica in January. But Chelsea, among other clubs, have made contact with the hopes of paying the clause or striking a deal for the player.
Benfica, on the other hand, are not interested in letting Fernandez go despite the allure of making big money from his transfer. The 21-year-old is crucial to their goals this season and like he did with World Cup champions Argentina, has put in a great shift for the club so far.
They have now released a statement to this effect while reports also claim that they intend to offer him a new contract to tie him down to the club.
The new contract will also see his value in rease, making it difficult for any future bids and making it possible for Benfica to realise a lot more profit from his transfer if any club decides to make the leap of faith.
The Argentine sensation only arrived at Benfica in June from River Plate in his home country Argentina, where he played together with Julian Alvarez who also moved in June to Manchester City.
Like Alvarez, he attracted the attention of top clubs but chose the Portuguese outfit for his development. He has now repaid their faith with stellar performances in the league and the UEFA Champions League, where they finished top of the table in a group that had Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
He went on to star for the Albiceleste in Qatar, playing a key role in their World Cup win and contilrinutinf a goal and assist to the cause. That took his tally to four goals and six assists in the ongoing seasons (three goals and five assists for Benfica) and he is seen as the next best thing in the central midfield position.
Chelsea are desperately looking for a good replacement for N’Golo Kante, whose injuries have prevented him from playing a key role at the club in the past two seasons.
The Blues are satisfied with the Frenchman but believe that finding a replacement for him now is the best solution. Kante is also being courtesy by Barcelona according to reports, which also state that the Frenchman is keen on making the switch to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Fernandez is seen as a perfect replacement for Kante with his ability to break up play while covering every blade of grass on the pitch.
The 21-year-old, however, has not made any comments on his future amidst the battle for his signature.
Staying with Benfica will be the best option for him at the moment. He is young and inexperienced in European football and even though his talents suggest that he can hold his own, finishing strongly with Benfica could give him even more confidence for the road ahead.
The Portugues side are five points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga and are comfortably in the second round of the Champions League.
Moving clubs could cost Fernandez a first European title in his debut season and regardles of the offer on ground or the pedigree of the club looking to sign him, it may not be the smartest decision he makes if he chooses to leave Portugal in January.
