sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Gary Neville reacts after hearing how much Chelsea will pay for Enzo Fernandez, he can't believe it

Home> Football

Updated 11:50 3 Jan 2023 GMTPublished 11:42 3 Jan 2023 GMT

Gary Neville reacts after hearing how much Chelsea will pay for Enzo Fernandez, he can't believe it

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Benfica about a move for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Gary Neville has reacted to reports suggesting Chelsea will spend €127 million [£112m] on Argentina and Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January window.

Talks between Chelsea and Benfica for the highly-rated midfielder are at an 'advanced stage' and the deal is said to be 'very close', according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Fernandez, who was named the Best Young Player at this winter's World Cup, has already said "yes" to Chelsea after agreeing to leave the Portuguese outfit.

And now, reports suggest Chelsea will split the final transfer fee into three instalments of around €40 million [£35m].

Advert

If they do manage to get a British record deal over the line, Chelsea will be getting one of football's biggest talents. In fact, Fernandez was described as "spectacular" by international teammate Lionel Messi during this winter's World Cup.

But some have raised questions over his hefty €127 million price tag, including Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

Neville reacted to the reports on Tuesday morning, tweeting: "Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!"

A fan soon replied to his post. "Didn’t see you concerned with the price Antony went for. Pogba etc. Alright when you lot do it but nobody else can spend."

Neville hit back: "Agree with Anthony (he’s a lot to do to get to 95m price tag). Pogba had pedigree when he signed for United so not comparable."

Fernandez has scored 13 goals in 56 appearances for club and country this season. Image credit: Alamy
Fernandez has scored 13 goals in 56 appearances for club and country this season. Image credit: Alamy

Fernandez, who also been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks, appears desperate to leave Benfica.

Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed he angered club officials by defying orders not to fly back to Argentina and as a result, the player missed two training sessions.

In addition to those reports, Fernandez allegedly told Benfica that he doesn't want to play in Friday's Primeira Liga game against Portimonense, according to Ojogo.

That same report also suggests he has asked Benfica president Rui Costa to push through his proposed transfer to Chelsea as rumours continue to swirl surrounding his future.

Lionel Messi is a big fan of Fernandez. Image credit: Alamy
Lionel Messi is a big fan of Fernandez. Image credit: Alamy

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt fears Fernandez has played his last game for the Portuguese side. After their 3-0 defeat to Braga last week, Schmidt was asked if the midfielder had pulled on the Benfica shirt for the last time.

"In my opinion Enzo played well today," he said. "I don’t know if it was Enzo’s last game. He is a great player, since he arrived at Benfica he has played fantastic football.

"And even as a person he is totally identified with the club. As I said before, in football sometimes things happen and players have to make decisions. Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks."

Thoughts on Fernandez potentially breaking Jack Grealish's British transfer record this month? Is he worth the fee?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Alamy/Instagram - enzojfernandez

Topics: Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Argentina, Benfica

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

X

@jackkenmare_

Recommended reads

Ranking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGettyBarry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

12 hours ago
16 hours ago
17 hours ago
21 hours ago
  • Getty / Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
    12 hours ago

    QUIZ: Name Arsene Wenger's 25 most expensive signings as Arsenal manager

    Wenger made 125 signings while at Arsenal. We're challenging you to name his 25 most expensive ones.

    Football
  • Getty
    16 hours ago

    TNT reporter responds after Mateta interview goes viral for 'little cuddle'

    “We are all having a little cuddle here" - Jean-Philippe Mateta got fans talking after this interview.

    Football
  • Getty
    17 hours ago

    Arne Slot sack update from Liverpool hierarchy emerges after PSG defeat

    The Liverpool boss is under pressure after his side's defeat against PSG in the Champions League.

    Football
  • Getty
    21 hours ago

    The player Thierry Henry once said was his toughest opponent is now unrecognisable

    He was a fearsome defender as a player but now lives a very different life...

    Football
  • Enzo Fernandez dropped from Chelsea first team as Liam Rosenior issues statement
  • Mason Mount Clashes With Enzo Fernandez in Post-Match Chelsea Incident
  • Enzo Fernandez gesture to PSG fans spotted by TV cameras in Chelsea defeat
  • Chelsea fans livid as player publicly declares he wants to leave London