Enzo Fernandez’s squad number leaked as £106m signing flies in for Chelsea deal

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Enzo Fernandez’s squad number has been leaked ahead of his official unveiling as Chelsea’s record signing.

The Blues’ new £106.8million purchase flew into London on Wednesday lunchtime to complete his stunning deadline day switch from Benfica, after weeks of talks between the clubs.

Chelsea announced the signing after Benfica’s late-night statement but had stated plans to reveal his shirt number at a later date.

But, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano posted a picture of Fernandez’s new No5 shirt ahead of the official unveiling.

It means the Argentine midfielder will take up Jorginho’s spot in the squad only hours after the Italian’s £12m move to Arsenal.

Fernandez had previously worn the No13 for Benfica, which is currently Marcus Bettinelli’s at Chelsea, and the No24 in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign, which is held by Reece James.

He follows in the footsteps of two fan favourite central midfielders in taking the No5, with Michael Essien a long-term holder of the shirt before Jorginho took it up in 2018.

Few options were available to the 22-year-old with the No25 jersey retired after Gianfranco Zola’s legendary spell at Stamford Bridge.

The No2 and No3 shirts remain unfilled following Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso’s summer exit with the next open slots at No34 and No35.