Chelsea set transfer deadline for Fernandez
Chelsea has established a deadline of Friday for clubs interested in signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The club is seeking offers of £120m or more for the Argentina international. This deadline is set for 17:00 BST on Friday, with the intention of resolving the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez’s future before the start of the season.
The west London club has communicated this deadline to potential suitors, including Manchester City, and to Fernandez’s representatives. Chelsea confirmed their valuation of the player to his agent as early as May. The club has indicated that if their £120m valuation is not met by the deadline, Fernandez will not be departing.
Fernandez’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge
Fernandez, 25, has faced questions about his future at Stamford Bridge since March, when he first explored the possibility of a move to Real Madrid. His agent, Javier Pastore, publicly stated earlier in the year that his client felt underpaid and wished to leave following a challenging season. During that season, Chelsea concluded the Premier League campaign in 10th position and did not secure a trophy, losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
Despite initial interest, Real Madrid has since clarified that they have no intention of signing Fernandez. This leaves Manchester City as the only known potential club showing interest. City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, previously left Chelsea midway through last season, and Fernandez reportedly maintained a strong relationship with him during his time at the club.
It remains uncertain whether Manchester City will agree to meet Chelsea’s valuation for Fernandez. Reports suggest that the Etihad outfit is also targeting Lille’s Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi. Chelsea, who acquired Fernandez for £107m from Benfica in 2023, is expected to adhere to their £120m asking price.
Club’s stance and player’s recent activity
Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has engaged in discussions with Fernandez regarding his future, though details of their conversation have not been disclosed. The club has reportedly made it clear that they are prepared to fully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad, allowing him to continue as a key player. Fernandez was not included on Chelsea’s ‘not for sale’ list this summer, contributing to the ongoing speculation about his position at the club.
Fernandez was suspended by the club for two matches in April due to comments made while on international duty. During this period, he reportedly criticised decisions made by the club’s hierarchy and appeared to express interest in a move to Real Madrid. His midfield partner at Chelsea, Moises Caicedo, publicly encouraged Fernandez to remain at the club earlier this month.
Fernandez’s existing contract with Chelsea runs until 2032, and there are no indications of a new agreement being pursued. Last season, he scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances for the club. He also contributed to Argentina’s journey to the World Cup final, where he was sent off in their 1-0 loss to Spain. Fernandez recently returned to training with Chelsea this week, marking his first sessions under manager Xabi Alonso.
Source: bbc.co.uk