Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez is over. Benfica coach Roger Schmidt confirmed the news today. Fernandez scored for Benfica last night and tapped the Benfica badge in celebration.
Fernandez found the net after some questionable defending by Varzim SC.
Liverpool were linked with Fernandez but were believed to have walked away from talks due to his asking price.
Last week Roger Schmidt said: “There is a club who want our player. They know we don’t want to sell the player. They tried to get the player on their side, and they know that they can only get this player when they pay the clause.
“It’s a very clear situation. What the club is doing, who wants to buy Enzo, is disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica. And I cannot accept what they are doing.”
Roger Schmidt was interviewed after Benfica’s 2-0 win and confirmed that Fernandez’s move to Chelsea is off as quoted by the BBC.
“I’m glad this question is closed and now we can focus on football again.
Reports circulated that Chelsea made an £80M bid despite Rui Costa insisting that Fernandez would not leave for less than his €120M release clause.
“It was very important for Enzo to return to play with his team and for Benfica. Rumours of proposals and opportunities, that’s part of football,” Schmidt added.
“The important thing is how the player and the club deal with the situation. It was all very open and sincere.
“I never had any doubts about his character, personality and attitude. An extraordinary player who loves to play football and for Benfica.”
