Fernandez appears to make future clear amid Benfica fears after Chelsea approach

11 January 2023 , 10:10

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Enzo Fernandez appeared to signal he was staying at Benfica during their win over Varzim (Image: VSports)

Rising star Enzo Fernandez appears to have made it clear that he will be staying at Benfica for the foreseeable future.

The midfielder became a target for Chelsea at the start of the transfer window, with the Blues launching at least one bid to sign him. Benfica refused to sell the 21-year-old though, who recently won the young player award as Argentina lifted the World Cup.

While there have been tensions between himself and the Portuguese giants, Fernandez returned to the starting line-up for Benfica's clash with Varzim in the last 16 of the Taca de Portugal on Tuesday night.

To cap off his return to the fold, Fernandez scored a superb goal to help send his side into the quarter-finals. The midfielder received the ball on the penalty spot and curled a brilliant first-time finish into the top corner.

And his celebration of the goal appeared to signal his intention to remain at the Estadio da Luz. As he returned to his half for the game to restart, Fernandez patted the Benfica badge on his chest.

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He then pointed to himself before pointing to the ground repeatedly, in an apparent suggestion that he would be staying at the club. Boss Roger Schmidt has been steadfast in insisting Fernandez would not be sold and reiterated that stance after his side's win.

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Fernandez patted the badge on his chest before pointing to the ground after scoring Benfica's second goal (V Sports)

"I'm happy with them. Enzo also came back, he was at a good level and scored an important goal. Overall, the team did well and every player counts for me," the Benfica manager said.

"I never doubted Enzo's attitude or personality, he is a great person and loves playing for Benfica. His return was very important and now he can focus again on just playing football. It was an excellent ending (the goal) to this game.

"After Christmas, in Braga, we didn't do very well but we already had a good reaction in the game with Portimonense and today too. We've had some ups and downs, that's part of the season and we have to accept that.

"But the team has consistently been at the highest level. Today was a tough game, a real Cup game. We suffered a little at the beginning of the second half, but we deserved to win and we are happy to be in the quarter-finals."

Fernandez's apparent hint that he will be staying comes as A Bola reported that Chelsea offered Hakim Ziyech, among others, as part of an offer for the Benfica star. The Portuguese side are said to have rebuffed that offer, with the Blues not contacting them since.

Benfica are next in action on Sunday when they host rivals Sporting Lisbon. Schmidt's side have lost just one game all season and sit six points clear of second-placed Braga at the top of the Primeira Liga.

Fernandez has been a key part of their success so far this season, making 26 appearances in all competitions. He has also scored four goals and notched five assists in what is still only his first campaign with the club.

Jacob Leeks