‘Enzo Fernandez loves playing for Benfica and I expect him to stay’

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 11 Jan 2023 07:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Enzo Fernandez’s Benfica coach Roger Schmidt expects the Argentina international midfielder to remain at the club beyond the January transfer window, despite persistent interest from Chelsea.

The Blues appeared close to completing a bumper transfer for the World Cup winner, but talks have broken down in recent days, with Benfica branding the Premier League side “disrespectful” over their approaches to the player.

Nevertheless, there remains a strong possibility that Chelsea could revisit the Enzo case before the end of the transfer period.

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Benfica boss Schmidt, though, does not see the 21-year-old departing just yet.

Speaking after a 2-0 Taca de Portugal victory over Varzim, in which Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory with a clipped finish from the penalty spot with 12 minutes left, the coach explained: “I never had any doubts about his attitude and personality. He’s a great person, he’s at Benfica and he loves playing for Benfica.

“Do I expect him to continue? Yes, I hope so.”

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Enzo Fernandez drops Benfica stay hint

Meanwhile, Enzo’s head appears to be firmly with Benfica, with his celebration strongly hinting that he intends to stay and fight for the club.

Fernandez banged the Benfica badge on his chest before pointing towards the ground, seemingly suggesting that he will be remaining at the club.

Enzo Fernandez signed for Benfica in the summer from River Plate for around €12 million, and the release clause that Chelsea have been asked to trigger is set at €120m, yet Benfica are eager to keep the player because they do not feel that his current value will depreciate before the summer.