Big money, bigger commitment as Chelsea tie down Fernandez and Mudryk long-term
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have opted to exercise contract options for Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk, ensuring that the duo will remain with the club well into their thirties. This decision reflects Chelsea’s strategy of securing players on long-term contracts, a trend that has persisted since the change of ownership under Todd Boehly & Co.
By extending the contracts of Fernandez and Mudryk, Chelsea reinforces their commitment to building a stable and talented squad for the future. The club’s proactive approach to contract extensions underscores their confidence in the players’ abilities and their desire to retain key assets for the long term.
According to FA documents, Fernandez has a staggering eight years remaining on his £180,000-a-week contract, which extends until 2032. Similarly, Mudryk’s deal spans seven years, with the Ukrainian international earning £97,000 per week until 2031. These lengthy contracts ensure that Fernandez will be 31 and Mudryk will be 30 years old when their respective deals expire.
Chelsea made a significant investment in Fernandez when they acquired him from Benfica in a record-breaking £106.8 million deal in January 2023. This bold move underlines Chelsea’s determination to secure top talent for the long term, demonstrating their ambition and financial muscle in the transfer market.
Similarly, Chelsea demonstrated their ability to act decisively in securing Mudryk’s services, beating out competition from rivals Arsenal to secure his signature. The club parted with £88.5 million to bring the talented Ukrainian midfielder from Shakhtar Donetsk, further reinforcing their commitment to strengthening the squad with top-quality players.
Although the specifics behind the extension of their contracts are still unknown, especially with a long time left on their deals, Cobham Academy graduate Lewis Hall also saw his contract extended last season, although he has since joined Newcastle United on loan with an option of £28 million to make it a permanent deal.
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The release of data regarding contract extensions for Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Lewis Hall came as part of the FA’s annual agent payments report. According to the report, Chelsea set a new record by spending £75.1 million in agency fees for the 12-month period ending in February 2024. This substantial investment underscores Chelsea’s commitment to securing top talent and maintaining their competitive edge in the ever-evolving football landscape.
In comparison, the Manchester Blues topped the charts last year with a £51.5 million spend but exceeded it this year, paying £60.6 million. Following closely behind were Manchester United at £34 million, Liverpool at £31.5 million, and Arsenal at £24.7 million. How the extensions will now impact us remains to be seen.