15 April 2024 , 15:37
976
0
Chelsea have exercised options to extend Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk's contracts.
Fernandez arrived in a £106.8million transfer from Benfica in the January transfer window of 2023. He was initially handed eight-and-a-half year contract, similar to Mudryk, who penned a seven year deal.
The Ukrainian winger cost £88.5m as the Blues rushed to beat Arsenal to sign the then Shakhtar Donetsk star. Despite that is has been a miserable season for Chelsea, with Fernandez and Mudryk both having been below par.
Mudryk has scored just six goals and notched only two assists in all competitions. Fernandez meanwhile has been part of a midfield that has frequently struggled over the course of the campaign.
Even so, FA documents released as part of the FA's annual agent payments report show the duo have been handed contract extensions. The FA's data shows Chelsea made payments to the duo's representatives as part of updated contract negotiations.
Premier League odds and betting tips
The report showed how the Blues paid a record £75.1m on agent’s fees over the 12-month period to February 2024. But Pochettino has previously hinted that both Mudryk and Fernandez are part of his long-term plans.
"He's a fantastic guy and he’s such a nice person. He’s very authentic and genuine. One thing I can tell you, he’s very honest and very trustworthy and a very genuine and spontaneous guy," he said of Mudryk in December. "I trust in him as a person, of course. And then as a player he knows he needs to keep improving. He’s still young and he is going to improve, because he has the quality. He’s a player that in his evolution is doing really well.
"We are so happy. For sure with time he’s going to be a very important player. He’s already an important player but he’s going to improve a lot because the potential is massive."
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino remains a big fan of Mudryk despite his struggles (Getty Images)Pochettino also hailed Fernandez after he scored against Aston Villa in February. Fernandez had hailed up his shirt in an apparent response to criticism he had received, with Pochettino fully backing the Argentine.
He said: "Today, Enzo showed why he’s here and he showed his quality. But we didn’t have any doubts about him, or about [Moises] Caicedo or about different players, young players that arrived here with expectation to win titles and to score with every single touch!
"He is a world champion player. When he signed one year ago, he arrived after nearly two years with no holidays, no rest, with the pressure, still young, different environment, different language, different culture. I really believe in the player."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our