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Todd Boehly's immediate reaction to Enzo Fernandez's unreal World Cup final performance sums him up
Home>Football
Published 15:31 2 Feb 2023 GMT

Todd Boehly's immediate reaction to Enzo Fernandez's unreal World Cup final performance sums him up

Fernandez joined Chelsea in the late hours of Tuesday.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly had a simple message for his recruitment staff after watching Enzo Fernandez's performances for Argentina in the World Cup final.

Fernandez completed a British record £107 million transfer to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after the club were locked in intense negotiations with Benfica all day.

The 22-year-old, who was named Best Young Player out in Qatar, had been chased by Chelsea all January as they looked to strengthen in midfield.

Manager Graham Potter is light of options, with N'Golo Kante and Denis Zakaria currently out injured. Jorginho was allowed to make a shock switch to Premier League leaders Arsenal, with the Blues confident of signing Fernandez.

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Boehly, who has bankrolled eight signings totalling £300 million this month alone, knew he wanted Fernandez as soon as he watched Argentina become world champions for a third time before Christmas.

Fernandez started at the Lusail Stadium as Argentina ran out 4-2 penalty shootout winners over France after a 3-3 draw in regulation time.

Per The Athletic's David Ornstein, Boehly watched that game and was enthralled with the ex-River Plate man's performance.

Ornstein recalled a conversation Boehly allegedly had with a member of Chelsea's transfer committee. It was a statement of intent.

He said: "When Enzo Fernandez came off the pitch at the World Cup final, we hear that Todd Boehly said to his Chelsea recruitment staff, 'get me that man'.

READ MORE: How Chelsea could line up next season after incredible January transfer window

Fernandez holding the World Cup and his Best Young Player award. (Image
Alamy)

"Of course, they would have even been watching him during the tournament, but I think that was the moment when they were clear on their determination to get him in."

Fernandez, who only made his international debut in September, was the heartbeat of Argentina's midfield. He completed 10 tackles and had the most touches of the ball on either side.

Could Fernandez be the man to turn Chelsea's season around? They're currently 10th in the Premier League table and 10 points off the top four.

As well as Fernandez, Chelsea have added David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto to their squad.

Fernandez is eligible to make his debut against Fulham on Friday. (Image
Alamy)

Felix is on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, while Gusto will arrive from Lyon in the summer.

After signing his eight-and-a-half-year deal, 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."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Enzo Fernandez/Instagram

Topics: Todd Boehly, Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Premier League

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is SPORTbible's Senior Social Editor.

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@DanMarland_

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