Gary Neville has cast doubt over Chelsea’s £112m transfer move for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, insisting the fee is ‘one hell of a price’ for the Argentine star.
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The 21-year-old claimed Young Player of the Tournament in Qatar after helping Argentina and Lionel Messi to World Cup victory last month, this has led to Chelsea’s interest in the player.
Portuguese sources say the Blues have since made a £112m offer for the youngster, a fee more than his £106m buyout clause. Chelsea plan to pay the sum in three separate instalments of £37.3m over the next three years.
Gary Neville took to Twitter after hearing of Chelsea’s offer and said: ‘Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!’
In response, fans questioned the Manchester United legend’s stance on Antony’s arrival at Old Trafford this summer, which cost the Red Devils £85.5million on deadline day.
United’s £100m signing of Paul Pogba in 2016 was also referenced by fans in comparison to Chelsea’s move for Fernandez.
The 47-year-old said in reply: ‘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 three and assisted five in 25 appearances across all competitions for Benfica this campaign, helping the Portuguese club to open up a five-point lead at the summit of the table.
The youngster is believed to be keen on the move to Chelsea despite Benfica’s desire to keep him and negotiations between the two clubs are set to continue on Tuesday.
