EXPENSIVE IMPORTS

The eye-watering transfer sees Fernández become the latest in a long line of Argentines who have recently moved to the Premier League. When he makes his début in the coming weeks, the midfielder will become the 14th Argentine currently plying his trade in England’s top flight.

Speaking earlier this week, Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero – who spent a decade playing for current champions Manchester City – observed that there is a “new generation” of Argentines who are lighting up the Premier League.

“There are many Argentine players who will soon show their worth. Brighton signing Buonanotte, Perrone coming to my beloved Manchester City,” said the retired striker.

One of the reasons for the influx is improved scouting in the region by Premier League clubs.

English sides regularly used to sign Latin American players from other sides in European football, once the footballers had moved and settled in Europe. However, an increasing number of Premier League clubs are now going direct to the source, as it was, hoping to pick up stars earlier in their careers for lower fees.

Recent examples include Facundo Buonanotte’s move to Brighton from Rosario Central and Máximo Perrone’s switch from Vélez Sarsfield to Manchester City.

ARGENTINES IN THE EPL

– Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) – Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) – Marcos Senesi: (Bournemouth) – Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton) – Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton) – Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)

– Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) – Máximo Perrone (Manchester City) – Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) – Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) – Willy Caballero (Southampton) – Carlos Alcaraz (Southampton) – Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) – Manuel Lanzini (West Ham United)