It looks like Enzo Fernandez’s time at Chelsea is running out. Reliable Argentine journalist, Gaston Edul, broke the news that there are chances the midfielder could leave Stamford Bridge in the summer. And the events following that have done nothing to suggest he is not looking to engineer a move away.
After the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Fernandez was asked about his future at Chelsea. He refused to rule out the possibility of an exit and suggested he would decide after the World Cup.
Then, in a recent interview, Fernandez mentioned Madrid when asked about where he would like to live someday. Incidentally, Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the Argentine midfielder. So, the timing is curious indeed.
Of course, it should not come as a surprise that top players are looking to leave Chelsea now. Four seasons into the BlueCo project, there has been little in the name of success. Naturally, those who want to compete for trophies are starting to look for a way out.
Real reason behind tension between Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in early 2023. He was one of the first major signings made by BlueCo after the takeover. So, if he does end up forcing an exit in the summer, despite having a long-term contract, it would be a blow to the project.
For the past four seasons, the talk has been of building a team that will grow together and dominate Europe for years to come. But those plans are starting to fall apart.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said regarding the situation involving Chelsea and Fernandez:
“Talking about opportunities and interviews, in this case, another interview, in this case made by Enzo Fernandez. You remember a few days ago, it was after a Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain, Enzo said ‘we will see’ when mentioned about his future. ‘There is the World Cup, of course, I’m busy with Chelsea.’ Enzo said there are a few games to play and then ‘we will see.’ So, not closing the doors to anything.
“Then, when was asked in Argentina about, in a very easy context, so it was not just about football, but he was asked something like, ‘Where would you like to live next, one day maybe in your life?’ And he said, ‘Madrid.’ Enzo Fernandez said ‘Madrid’ because ‘I love that city, feels like Buenos Aires.’
“So the connection between Enzo Fernandez and Madrid is obviously something that we have to mention, because he said himself he would love to live in Madrid one day. But on the football point of view, we have to understand, first of all, what Chelsea want to do. Second, what’s going to happen in this new contract negotiation between Enzo and Chelsea.
“At the moment, there is no agreement, and this is why there is a tension around the future of Enzo Fernandez. At the moment, nothing has been decided, nothing has been started in terms of negotiations or talks, but we have to take into consideration Enzo Fernandez mentioning Madrid. I think that’s one more key interview after what he said about the possibility eventually to consider his future in the summer transfer window.”
Fernandez’s exit is starting to feel very likely
When a player refuses to rule out an exit to the media, it often means one thing. It looks like there is no agreement behind the scenes over a contract between Chelsea and Fernandez.
So, Chelsea’s lack of success on the pitch might not be the primary reason behind Fernandez’s potential exit in the summer. But it is starting to feel that a departure is very likely.
Fernandez is considered one of the best in his position. There is not going to be any lack of interest in his signature if he does end up leaving Chelsea.
Real Madrid are not the only ones who are said to be interested in Fernandez. Manchester City and PSG might be potential destinations for the midfielder as well.
