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Enzo Fernandez during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Juventus at Estadio Da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal, October 2022.

Watch: Fabrizio Romano ponders Liverpool or Man Utd signing Enzo Fernandez after Chelsea collapse

Chelsea’s pursuit of Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez appears to have hit the rocks and Fabrizio Romano has spelt out all the grisly details for Chelsea supporters – but given hope to Manchester United and Liverpool fans in the process.

According to reports, Chelsea pushed hard to sign Fernandez but a deal appears to be dead in the water with Todd Boehly’s Blues unwilling to pay the World Cup winner’s full release clause.

That could open the door for one of their Premier League rivals to land Fernandez – namely Manchester United or Liverpool, although not in this transfer window.

“Manchester United are not currently negotiating for Enzo, but let’s see what happens in the summer, because if Enzo stays at Benfica until the summer, then it could be really interesting because probably Man United will have new owners,” noted Romano in his latest YouTube update.

“Also Liverpool, we have to see if they will have new owners and what kind of strategy they will do because they are focusing on Jude Bellingham, but we know that Liverpool also have an interest in Enzo Fernandez, but the rumours from Portugal of Liverpool triggering the clause or offering €120million were absolutely not true.

“Liverpool never wanted to invest €120million in a midfielder in January because their main target is Jude Bellingham, who is not – as of now – available in January. Enzo is appreciated by Liverpool, but they never made that kind of proposal and never triggered the clause.

“But in the summer it could be a different story because Real Madrid have sent their scouts to follow Enzo in the first months of the season and also the World Cup, but they are never investing that money on a midfielder.

“Liverpool and Manchester United appreciate the player but not at these conditions, not in January. So let’s see if Enzo stays at Benfica until the end of the season and if other clubs can jump in the race.”

Chelsea have reportedly had three meetings with Benfica this month to try and lure Fernandez to Stamford Bridge.

But the Portuguese giants quickly made it clear that the 21-year-old wouldn’t be going anywhere unless any suitors triggered his £106million release clause.

Rife reports earlier this week claimed Chelsea were willing to offer £112million to persuade Benfica to part ways with their most prized asset, but in instalments to adhere to FFP rules.

But Romano later reported that the Blues only offered £75million, significantly less than the demands that would’ve made Fernandez the most expensive Premier League player in history.

And Benfica manager Roger Schmidt said: “We don’t want to sell Enzo [Fernandez]. There’s a club that wants him [and] tempted him, but they know the only way is [by paying the] £106million (€120million) clause.

“They’re disrespectful. They’re leaving the player crazy. They acted like they wanted to pay clause… then wanted to negotiate [a cheaper fee].”

Schmidt went on to add: “Enzo is a good guy and an extraordinary player. We want him to stay. The situation is not easy. He played in the World Cup, won the World Cup, had proposals. There is a lot of money at stake.”

As Chelsea fans are beginning to discover that this seemingly done deal is nothing of the sort, Romano has provided a critical update on his YouTube channel.

The Italian journalist said: “Chelsea and Benfica have been in negotiations for days, Benfica have always asked for the release clause of €120million.

“Chelsea opened direct negotiations with Benfica, and negotiated verbally with Benfica on potential solutions. But then, at a meeting on Wednesday which was the second key meeting between the clubs, Chelsea made a proposal of around €85million guaranteed fee.

“This was the official proposal from Chelsea, with the possibility of a few players on loan. Benfica were furious.

“Enzo Fernandez himself was convinced about joining Chelsea and then nothing happened between the clubs. And Rui Costa [Benfica president] has always said that Enzo only leaves in January for the release clause. Otherwise, he will stay here and complete the season.

“At the moment, negotiations between Benfica and Chelsea have collapsed, the two clubs are not speaking anymore.

“Let’s see if, in the next few days, Chelsea decide to return to negotiations but, for Benfica, they’re even more convinced there’s no way to negotiate; it’s €120million or nothing.”


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