CHELSEA have confirmed the deadline day signing of Enzo Fernandez, in a British-RECORD £106m deal.
The World Cup winner has joined on an EIGHT-YEAR contract from Benfica.
Meanwhile, Jorginho’s switch from Stamford Bridge to Arsenal was announced earlier on deadline day.
And Manchester United have completed a loan deal until the end of the season for Marcel Sabitzer.
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Fernandez signs Chelsea deal until 2031
Chelsea have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a British record fee, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
The Blues left it late after tracking the midfielder since the start of the January window.
But Benfica finally relented and accepted an offer worth £106million for the World Cup winner.
That bid triggered Fernandez’s release clause but the deal still proved tricky to complete as Chelsea were keen to spread their payment over a series of instalments.
That proved a sticking point in negotiations but both clubs have finally settled on an agreed payment schedule.
The move is set to be a British record, surpassing the £100m Manchester City paid to sign Jack Grealish in 2021.
Fernandez, 22, completed a medical in Portugal to finalise the transfer.
He has signed an eight-and-a-half year contract with the Blues, running until June 2031.
Utd say they ‘watched Marcel a long time’
Manchester United insist new loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has long been on their radar.
Old Trafford Football Director John Murtough told the club’s media team: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time.
“The opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
“He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to Manchester United.”
‘Chelsea also fancied Marcel’
Manchester United not only had to beat deadline paperwork problems to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan – they also reportedly had to fend off interest from Chelsea.
Sky Sports say the Blues considered the Austria midfielder before settling on Enzo Fernandez.
Sabitzer: I had to act quick
Manchester United new boy Marcel Sabitzer claims he pounced on joining United as soon as he knew of their interest.
The Bayern midfielder said: “Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions.
“From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me.
“I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season.
“I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
“I’m excited to start with my new teammates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”
Utd CONFIRM Marcel loan
They’ve done it!
Man Utd have confirmed Marcel Sabitzer’s loan arrival from Bayern Munich.
Chelsea tipped to confirm Fernandez arrival
Enzo Fernandez seems to be the first of the eleventh-hour big deals to go through.
We’re just waiting for confirmation.
It’s believed Chelsea will pay the £100m-plus fee for the Benfica midfielder in six parts – starting with £40m up front.
Fulham sign Duffy
Fulham have turned Shane Duffy’s loan move from Brighton into a permanent deal.
The Republic of Ireland defender, 31, has been with the Seagulls since 2016.
Ziyech deal ‘collapses’
Hakim Ziyech’s proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain has collapsed at the final hurdle, according to reports, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
The winger had been set to leave Chelsea on loan.
But according to reports in France the Blues reportedly failed to complete the paperwork in time.
It is claimed both Chelsea and PSG signed the necessary paperwork to complete the deal.
But L’Equipe claim Chelsea did not send off their document in time.
CBS journalist Ben Jacobs reports there is no chance of the deal being resuscitated.
Spurs keeper Hayton off to Barsnley
Tottenham have confirmed 18-year-old keeper Adam Hayton’s departure to Barnsley.
Hayton made his Under-21s debut against Peterborough United in the Papa John’s Trophy in September.
Omari and Hakim no-go?
Chelsea loan exits for Omari Hutchinson and Hakim Ziyech seem OFF.
PSG wanted playmaker Ziyech.
Enzo ‘completes move’
Enzo Fernandez HAS joined Chelsea.
That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – after an eleventh-hour panic over the Benfica midfielder’s documents.
Sabitzer leaves Carrington
Marcel Sabitzer’s arrival is still on a knife-edge after he reportedly left United’s training ground.
We could see in less than ten minutes whether that means a loan deal has been completed.
Fans baffled as Utd sweat on Marcel deal
United supporters are baffled and irritated by the failure to tie up Marcel Sabitzer’s signing – so far.
The Red Devils submitted a deal sheet before 11pm – meaning they’ve bought time until midnight to complete everything.
But one fan called the situation potentially “embarrassing” and another hit out: “This club can never get anything done on time.”
This supporter sounded even more astonished: “A loan deal that has to be done by 12 he arrived in Manchester at 8.”
Similarly: “How have they not done everything by now?”
Brum make Longelo deal permanent
West Ham full-back Emmanuel Longelo has joined Birmingham in a permanent deal.
He was initially just on loan at the Championship club.
Forest complete triple swoop
Jonjo Shelvey isn’t the only new arrival at Nottingham Forest today.
The club have also announced the signing of Brazilian defender Felipe from Atletico Madrid.
Felipe, 33, joins on a deal until the summer of 2024.
And three-time Champions League winning goalkeeper Keylor Navas was confirmed as the third signing of the day.
The 36-year-old Real Madrid legend has signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season.
Stoke set to borrow Axel
United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is posed to join Stoke on loan for the rest of the season.
The 25-year-old urgently needs game time after injuries.
A deal sheet has been submitted – so the move can be completed by midnight.
Foxes land Souttar
Stoke’s Harry Souttar has joined Leicester on a permanent deal.
The 2Australia defender, 24, joins on a five-year deal.
Done Deal: Navas coup for Forest
Nottingham Forest have made it a hat-trick of deadline day signings with the eye-catching signing of Keylor Navas.
The Costa Rican goalkeeper has moved to the City Ground on loan from Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old arrives at Forest with a wealth of experience and honours, having won the Champions League with Real Madrid on three occasions.
Credit: @NFFC Twitter Deal sheet submitted for Sabitzer
Don’t panic just yet, Manchester United fans.
It has been confirmed that Old Trafford officials have submitted a deal sheet for Marcel Sabitzer which gives them a further hour to get the transfer over the line.
Forty-seven minutes and ticking.
Done Deal: Forest sign Shelvey
One such deal is Nottingham Forest’s purchase of Jonjo Shelvey.
The 30-year-old midfielder has moved to the City Ground on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Credit: @NFFC Twitter The transfer window is now closed!
But, of course, we’ve come to learn in recent years that doesn’t actually mean too much as long as clubs have submitted their deal sheets.
Expect a number of moves to be confirmed in the coming 90 minutes or so.
Done Deal: Spurs sign Porro
Finally! Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting.
The Spanish right-back moves to North London initially on loan until the end of season when the deal will be made permanent.
Credit: tottenhamhotspur.com Ten minutes to go!
And then the transfer window shuts until the summer.
Premier League clubs, do you have your paperwork ready? Are your fax machines turned on?
Let the panic begin.
Chelsea’s Ziyech gets Paris wish
As one player prepares to sign on at Stamford Bridge, another is set to leave the club for Paris Saint-Germain.
Hakim Ziyech has been in the French capital all day attempting to force through a move to the Ligue 1 champions, and it now appears that he has his wish.
The Moroccan is expected to join PSG on loan until the end of the season.
However, there is unlikely to be an obligation to make the move permanent included in the deal for the 29-year-old.
Big-spending Blues get their man
Chelsea are closing in on Enzo Fernandez for what will be a new British transfer record.
The deal is almost complete after a day of hard bargaining with Benfica, and the man Blues fans must credit is co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
According to The Telegraph, Eghbali ‘refused to take no for an answer’ during more than 12 hours of negotiations with Portuguese officials before reaching an agreement.
Fernandez will move to Stamford Bridge for an astonishing £105m, taking the club’s January spending past the £300m mark.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
