---
title: "Wolves: Old Gold were ‘very close’ to signing Enzo Fernandez"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wolves-old-gold-were-very-close-to-signing-enzo-fernandez/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Wolves News"
published: "2023-02-02T17:35:19Z"
modified: "2023-02-02T17:35:19Z"
---

# Wolves: Old Gold were ‘very close’ to signing Enzo Fernandez

**[Wolves](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wolves-news/) were once ‘very close’ to signing marquee Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez when he played for River Plate.**

### The Lowdown: Fernandez saga ends…

The South American was at the centre of a tug of war between Chelsea and Benfica on transfer deadline day with the saga going on well into late hours.

Eventually, the clubs finally found a breakthrough in negotiations and Graham Potter’s side acquired their midfield target for a British record[£106.8 million.](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12799395/enzo-fernandez-to-chelsea-blues-agree-premier-league-record-105m-transfer-deal-for-benfica-midfielder)

Fernandez joins the west Londoners on a reported mega contract worth around [£315,000-per-week](https://www.givemesport.com/88111350-enzo-fernandez-chelsea-wages-how-much-is-he-earning), but according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, things could’ve been very different.

### The Latest: Wolves were once ‘very close’ to Fernandez deal…

The reporter, writing on[Twitter,](https://twitter.com/alex_crook/status/1620745278340087809) claims Wolves actually could’ve signed the 22-year-old whilst he was at River Plate.

He explained:

*“Just been reminded #Wolves were very close to signing Enzo Fernandez from River Plate for £17m. Sliding doors moment right there.”*

### The Verdict: Big miss?

At the time, few could have guessed he would become an Argentina star and play a [pivotal role](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11551739/Enzo-Fernandez-crowned-Young-Player-Tournament-Argentinas-triumph-France.html) in their World Cup triumph last year.

That being said, one wonder what might have been if Wolves’ £17 million move for Fernandez didn’t fall through.

Even before the starlet’s World Cup exploits, he was making quite a name for himself for Benfica in the Portuguese top flight with some very impressive performances.

According to [WhoScored,](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/299/Show/Portugal-Benfica) Fernandez featured as one of Benfica’s most selected players over the first half of 2022/2023 whilst also ranking as one of their best players overall.

He averaged the second-most tackles per 90 out of any player in their squad and chipped in going forward too – registering five assists and coming in third for successful key passes [(WhoScored).](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/299/Show/Portugal-Benfica)

Beyond his performances in the Middle East for Argentina, it’s clear Fernandez could’ve become a real asset for Wolves going by the numbers.