Chelsea triggered Enzo Fernandez’s $129 million release clause and sealed a Deadline Day move for the World Cup winner.
The fee breaks the British record set by Manchester City when it purchased Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.
Fernandez, 21, has been chased by Chelsea for some time and wanted to make the move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica.
[ MORE: Weston McKennie moves to Leeds United ]
The Argentina star has a goal and six assists in 22 matches across all competitions, but his skills as an elite ball progressor are what most attracts the Blues.
Fernandez ranks in the 99th percentile of midfielders in progressive passes per 90 at 9.47 and in the 95th percentile in shot-creating actions per 90 (FBref.com).
Chelsea’s revolutionized its squad since the club was purchased by Todd Boehly’s consortium last year, with Wesley Fofana, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, and many more.
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