Chelsea ‘trigger extension clause’ in Enzo Fernandez’s contract
Real Madrid v Chelsea: Pictures
Chelsea have reportedly already extended Enzo Fernandez’s contract despite the midfielder’s current deal running to 2031. The Blues had the option to add another year to the 22-year-old contract and they appear to have taken it up in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Chelsea splashed out over £300million during the transfer window as Todd Boehly looked to help Graham Potter to strengthen his squad. While the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Mykhaylo Mudryk were eye-catching names it was Fernandez who was the marquee signing after a month-long pursuit.
The midfielder arrived on deadline day in a move believed to be worth over £105m following a rollercoaster transfer saga after his excellent performances at the World Cup.
A number of the new faces were handed lengthy contracts with Fernandez’s receiving one of the longest. The Argentina international initially joined on an eight-and-a-half-year contract that would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031.
Despite this, it appears Chelsea are already keen to tie him down for even longer with TyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reporting the club have already extended his deal by a further 12 months to 2032.
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An extension clause was written into his initial deal and it has not taken long for the Blues to activate it with the news coming shortly after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The extra year means Fernandez now has the longest contractual agreement in world football.
The Argentine has been a rare shining light for Chelsea in recent weeks despite the west Londoners struggling to find any kind of form or consistency.
He was singled out for praise by caretaker boss Frank Lampard ahead of the quarter-final in Madrid as the Englishman talked up his leadership qualities.
“Enzo is becoming a leader, but he’s 22, I think it’s quite difficult for us to talk about that, he’ll have to find his way,” Lampard explained. “Games like [the Champions League quarters] are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.”
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However, the player himself was keen to play down his performances so far, stressing he did not believe he was anywhere near his best yet.
“I have no pressure, it’s just a game of football… I don’t think I’ve got to my top level at Chelsea,” he explained. “I’ve not been there long and it is a different league, different city. It’s not easy but I’m trying to do as best as possible.”
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