Benfica fans FUME at Enzo Fernandez after flying back to Argentina and missing training

Benfica fans have ripped into midfielder Enzo Fernandez after he was pictured partying in Argentina for New Year’s Eve and reportedly missed team training – telling the in-demand World Cup star that ‘went to hell’ and urged the club to sell him to Chelsea.

Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea following his heroics in Argentina at Qatar and Chelsea. He has already angered his club by refusing orders not to fly back to Argentina and has now angered supporters.

Sportsmail announced this week that the Blues are prepared to pay £112million for his signature – £6m more than his buyout clause – in a bid to secure the deal ahead of their rivals, with the money set to be paid over three annual installments of £37.3 m.

Enzo Fernandez is pictured with his agent enjoying the New Year celebrations – with supporters urging the club to sell the player

Fernandez was criticized by fans after flying home to Argentina against the club’s wishes

The potential fee being discussed was criticized by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville on Tuesday as he questioned whether Fernandez was worth the money.

Fernandez returned to action for Benfica on 30 December – despite featuring in the World Cup final for his country 12 days earlier – as he played 89 minutes in a 3–0 defeat to rivals Braga.

He then opted to fly back to Argentina for the New Year celebrations against his club’s wishes, with his agent Uriel Perez posting a photo of Fernandez still enjoying himself on January 2, causing outrage among fans after it was reported that he was not training with Benfica.

Portuguese outlet Record reported that Fernandez was not present for either of Benfica’s two sessions on Monday and could even be handed a ‘heavy fine’ for breaching disciplinary regulations.

Fernandez was also given an ultimatum to return to the club, the report added, and supporters vented their anger at him through comments on Perez’s Instagram photo – which has now been deleted by the representative – as some encouraged the club to ‘take. the £105m’.

Fernandez – who has been heavily linked with Chelsea – was accused of ‘disrespect’ after allegedly skipping training.

Fernandez was named the best young player as Argentina lifted the World Cup in Qatar

‘Get out, leave and don’t come back,’ one post read – as reported by Spanish outlet AS. ‘You are very unprofessional at a club as big as Benfica.’

Another said: ‘Lack of respect for Benfica at an important stage of the season. Take the £105m and go to hell. There is no player better than Benfica.’

‘Ungrateful,’ said one fan. ‘If it wasn’t for Benfica you wouldn’t be going to the World Cup.’

And another scathing response said: ‘For me, don’t play for Benfica again! Lack of professionalism for a club that helped him go to the World Cup and Champions League. Wake up boy.’

Perez’s caption on the post read: ‘It’s great to say goodbye to 2022 and start 2023 this way. Happy New Year everyone and stay positive from now on.’

Graham Potter’s Chelsea are keen to sign midfielders and Fernandez is their main target

Club manager Roger Schmidt confirmed there would be ‘no exceptions’ for players traveling in the New Year after Fernandez left for home.

The coach insisted that his squad will stay in Portugal to rest between matches.

‘We are a professional football team, the rules are for all players,’ said Schmidt.

‘It is very important for all players to rest between games, to be ready for the next game. There are no exceptions there.’

Benfica insist they do not want to sell Fernandez in the January window and have also offered him an improved contract.

The club admitted the World Cup winner’s head had been turned by the attraction of a move to London in a lucrative deal.