• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Massive blow for Man Utd and Liverpool as "spectacular" player agrees to join Premier League rivals

Home> Football

Updated 11:59 31 Dec 2022 GMTPublished 16:43 30 Dec 2022 GMT

Massive blow for Man Utd and Liverpool as "spectacular" player agrees to join Premier League rivals

He's one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez has agreed to move to Chelsea, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Fernandez, 21, has become one of the most sought-after players in European football after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.

The Benfica midfielder, who was described as "spectacular" by his international Lionel Messi during the tournament, has been linked with a number of top clubs – including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Advert

Reports earlier this month claimed that Liverpool had reached an agreement with Fernandez over a potential move to Anfield.

But it now appears that Chelsea are favourites to sign the midfielder, who is believed to have a release clause of around £105m in his Benfica contract.

Transfer expert Romano claims the London club could be prepared to offer a "huge fee" potentially greater than his release clause so they can spread out the payments, rather than paying it up front.

Romano: Fernandez has said yes to Chelsea

"Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez," tweeted Romano.

"Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution. Benfica always asked full €120m clause.

Advert

"Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now."

If accurate, it could be the second time in recent months that Chelsea have agreed to pay a fee greater than a player's release clause.

They are believed to have used the same tactic to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, with the player expected to join the Blues at the end of the season.

Nkunku had a £53m release clause in his Leipzig contract but Romano himself previously reported that Chelsea had paid around £10m more to secure the signing of the France international.

Advert

Fernandez, meanwhile, has moved to cool the speculation surrounding his future, insisting his only focus was on his next match with Benfica.

"I don't know anything about that," said Fernandez, when asked about the reports linking him with a January transfer.

"It's up to my agent, I don't want to get involved.

"I'm focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Football, Benfica, Premier League, Primeira Liga, Enzo Fernandez, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan
Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

X

@rory_ocallaghan

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
8 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    How Man Utd Could Line Up if Ruben Amorim Scraps 3-4-3 Formation

    Amorim's system has become a huge talking point.

    Football
  • Getty Images - CBS
    8 hours ago

    Thierry Henry Delivers Must-Watch Analysis of Viktor Gyokeres Moment vs Bilbao

    The former Arsenal striker gave Gyokeres some useful tips.

    Football
  • Getty
    8 hours ago

    Real Madrid Set New Champions League Record With Marseille Victory

    Real Madrid created Champions League history after beating Marseille.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    Real Madrid Identify 'Most Promising Player in English Football' as Potential Vinicius Jr Replacement

    Vinicius was benched for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Marseille.

    Football
  • Man Utd Fans in Disbelief as Club Confirm Shock Name in Premier League Squad
  • Kobbie Mainoo Targeted by Premier League Rivals as Dressing Room Feelings Revealed
  • John Terry Reveals Why He Wants Liverpool to Win Premier League This Season
  • Man Utd Player Could Still Leave After Transfer Collapses at Last Minute