Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez was substituted late on in the 3-0 defeat against Braga
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt fears Enzo Fernandez has played his last game for the Portuguese giants ahead of his proposed transfer to Chelsea.
The Argentina World Cup star only joined The Eagles in the summer from River Plate, but his performances in Qatar only served to enhance his burgeoning reputation.
Fernandez is already understood to have outlined his intention to join Chelsea who are now attempting to negotiate a fee with Benfica.
Chelsea have indicated they are willing to activate Fernandez’s £106million release clause and are open to paying a larger fee in order to structure a deal on more favourable terms, rather than paying a lump sum up front.
Despite the mounting speculation surrounding his future, the 21-year-old featured in last night’s damaging 3-0 defeat against Braga.
Fernandez was substituted in the 89th minute and was close to tears as he sat on the substitutes’ bench during the closing stages.
Asked if the precocious midfielder had played his last game for the club in his post match press conference, Schmidt said: ‘In my opinion Enzo played well today.
Enzo Fernandez was praised for his performance in Benfica’s 3-0 defeat against Braga (Picture: Getty)
‘I don’t know if it was Enzo’s last game. He is a great player, since he arrived at Benfica he has played fantastic football.
‘And even as a person he is totally identified with the club. As I said before, in football sometimes things happen and players have to make decisions.
‘Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.’
Chelsea, meanwhile are currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League but are primed to spend heavily next month in a bid to enhance their top four hopes.
The Blues have already confirmed the arrivals of David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos and are expected to complete the signing of Monaco’s highly-rated central defender Benoît Badiashile imminently.
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The Argentina World Cup star was substituted late on in the 3-0 defeat against Braga.
