Graham Potter has praised Enzo Fernandez after he completed a record-breaking £106 million move to Chelsea on deadline day.
The English manager called him a ‘determined young man’ and said he is looking forward to working with the 22-year-old.
The Blues were desperate to sign the World Cup winner, but Benfica were adamant they met the player’s release clause.
There were a lot of negotiations over the structure of the payment, but the Londoners finally got the deal over the line.
Potter conceded there had been moments when he thought the transfer might not happen. But the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is very excited to work with Fernandez.
The 47-year-old hailed the Argentine’s ability in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. “We were aware of him before the World Cup – we knew of his qualities,” he said.
“He was one of those players we were thinking about, and then we watched him at the World Cup and thought this could be a bit more expensive than we thought.
“He’s determined, humble – you can see how he plays football – he has personality and character.
“He’s played so many big games already at such a young age and moved away from his family and all that comes with it.
“He is a determined young man who knows what he wants, knows the game, wants to help the team and I look forward to getting to know him.”
Chelsea have no excuses now
Potter was heavily backed in the January transfer window.
Chelsea landed Mykhailo Mudryk despite Arsenal being heavily linked with the Ukrainian star.
Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto also arrived in big money transfers to Stamford Bridge.
And on deadline day, the Premier League giants shocked everyone by agreeing a deal for Enzo Fernandez.
Fans will now be expecting to see results and Potter will have no excuses if he fails.
The Blues are currently languishing in 10th place in the league, winning only one of their previous five matches.
They will host Fulham on Friday, hoping to end their miserable run of form.
