Benfica boss Roger Schmidt unsure if Chelsea target Enzo Fernandez has played last game for club
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Published 01/01/2023 at 11:17 GMT
Has Chelsea target Enzo Fernandez played his last game for Benfica? Boss Roger Schmidt admits he is not sure if the Argentina star will don the Benfica kit again amidst growing uncertainty about his future in Portugal. "I don't know if that was the last match of Enzo," said Schmidt. He added: "Sometimes things in football happen and then players have to make decisions."
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Benfica manager Roger Schmidt admits he is unsure if Enzo Fernandez has played his last match for the Portuguese club.
Chelsea target Fernandez was taken off in the second half during Benfica's 3-0 defeat to Braga on Friday – the leaders’ first defeat of the season.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to be determined to move swiftly to complete a deal for the Argentina star.
Fernandez’ stock has risen after several standout performances during the World Cup, with the 21-year-old named the Best Young Player at the tournament.
Fernandez, who joined Benfica from River Plate last summer, scored one of the most memorable goals of the competition in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico and also registered an assist as Argentina claimed their third World Cup title.
"I don't know if that was the last match of Enzo," said Schmidt.
"I think Enzo is a great player. Since he arrived at Benfica, he's played fantastic football.
"Also, as a person, he's completely identified with the club.
"Like I said before the match, sometimes things in football happen and then players have to make decisions. We will see what happens [in the] next weeks."
It looks set to be a busy month for Chelsea, who have an agreement to sign AS Monaco’s central defender Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.
The 21-year-old French defender has been linked to top European sides as well as Manchester United since he established himself with the Ligue 1 side.
However it is Chelsea who have won the race for his services, claims The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
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