On Tuesday night, Benfica confirmed the sale of Fernandez for a reported fee that breaks Jack Grealish’s British transfer record set in 2021. In a series of high-stakes midfield decisions, the Blues also pursued Moises Caicedo late in the window, while selling Jorginho to Arsenal and deciding to keep Conor Gallagher.

Fernandez, 22, has agreed to a contract extension at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

Because of an agreement in their sale of Fernandez to Benfica in June 2022, River Plate will reportedly receive a £26.7m cut of the transfer fee.

Fernandez will be joined at Stamford Bridge by Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, and Joao Felix. It is one of them.

Fernandez will be joined at Stamford Bridge by Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, and Joao Felix. It’s one of the busiest winter periods in club history, reflecting Chelsea’s pressing desire to finish strong. They are currently tenth in the Premier League table.

List of Chelsea players who joined the club during the record-breaking transfer window

Given that Chelsea played Felix in the Premier League just a day after his arrival from Atletico Madrid, Fernandez may not need much of a break. Graham Potter’s side will face Fulham on Friday and West Ham on February 11.