Chelsea signed midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in a British-record transfer deal worth £106.8 million.
The 22-year-old has signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, making him the most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history and the most expensive transfer in the Premier League this season.
Fernandez is an all-round player who can play in both central and attacking midfield roles.
He is a dynamic and creative player who can pick out a pass, dribble past defenders, and shoot from a distance.
The Argentine international has significantly impacted Portugal this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 21 appearances for Benfica in the Primeira Liga.
He also has plenty of experience playing for his country, having featured for Argentina at the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, the Under-20 World Cup in 2019, and making his senior debut in 2020.
The signing of Fernandez is a massive statement of intent from Chelsea, who have been desperate to bolster their midfield options this season.
The Blues are hoping to challenge for the Premier League title this season, and the addition of Fernandez will give them a considerable boost in their quest for glory.
The arrival of Fernandez is also a massive boost for Blues boss Frank Lampard, who has been trying to add some depth to his squad in the January transfer window.
With the addition of Fernandez, Lampard now has a wealth of options in midfield, and the Chelsea boss will be hoping that the new signing can provide the spark his side has been missing in recent weeks.
It remains to be seen how quickly Fernandez can settle in at Stamford Bridge and, ultimately, how successful he can be in the Premier League.