Fear of failure drove Chelsea to complete blockbuster January signing

Chelsea hastened their signing of Enzo Fernandez amid worries of losing him to six European clubs

Enzo Fernandez moving from Benfica to Chelsea was expedited out of concern by the latter that the Six European clubs might sign him.

According to sources in the Telegraph (subscription required), (h/t Daily Mail), Graham Potter’s team hurried the signing of Fernandez out of concern that Real Madrid and Manchester City may outbid them for his services.

The Blues broke the British transfer record by acquiring the Argentine midfielder for £107m on the final day of the January transfer window.

Yet how the West Londoners were able to invest so much in the winter window raised questions, and some even questioned if the 22-year-old was deserving of that much money. Since last year’s World Cup, where he earned the Young Player Award for his contribution to Argentina’s success, Fernandez’s reputation has skyrocketed.

Chelsea adjusted their strategy from originally refusing to pay the maximum clause and planning to negotiate a cheaper price in the summer, in order to ensure they got the midfielder.

Fernandez was reportedly a priority acquisition for Chelsea, thus the reason they tried to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The former Benfica player has so far made three outings for Chelsea and has also contributed an assist.

Many might contest his high price tag, but he earned it during the World Cup, where he was instrumental in Argentina’s victory and was named the competition’s “young player.”

We were fortunate to sign the 22-year-old on the final day of the winter transfer window. After problems in the midfield and sloppy performances from Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Jorginho (who was later sold to Arsenal), and Conor Gallagher.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Carney Chukwuemeka have seen less playing time, while N’Golo Kante has been sidelined by hamstring injuries.

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After making his debut, it was clear that Fernandez will exert his influence from the middle of the midfield, but other midfielders will also be required to back him up. He’ll need some time to gel together with other players, but this is an encouraging signing nonetheless.