Considering how things have played out over the past few weeks, most would predict that Enzo Fernandez will be on his way out in the summer. Reports first emerged in Argentina before the Champions League round of 16 second leg against PSG that there were chances that the midfielder could leave Chelsea in the summer.
When questioned about the matter after the game against PSG, Fernandez did not rule it out and kept the door open to a potential exit. Naturally, that led to a lot of talk in the media. So much so that Liam Rosenior came out and stated that the midfielder’s comments had been misconstrued and were made in an ’emotional’ moment after losing a big game.
Well, those were not the circumstances recently. In a very casual interview, Fernandez stated how he would like to live in Madrid someday and it reminded him of Buenos Aires.
Since then, Chelsea have decided to leave him out for the next two games. Fernandez’s agent has come out and stated that he wants an improved contract. If that cannot be agreed upon, they will explore other options in the summer. This has all the looks of the Argentine midfielder’s time at a club coming to an end. But what do the Blues think about that?
Chelsea make bold decision regarding Enzo Fernandez’s future
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are still ready and willing to reward Fernandez with an improved contract. The Blues remain determined to retain the Argentine World Cup winner and feel that he is one of the best midfielders in world football.
Right now, Chelsea’s priority is to resolve the contract impasse and reaffirm Fernandez’s place at the heart of the project. There is interest in the Argentine midfielder from Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich. The Blues would look for a transfer fee north of £100 million to let him go.
Enzo Fernandez still viewed as part of Chelsea’s long-term project
So, it looks like Fernandez is still part of Chelsea’s long-term plans, despite recent events. To be honet, that feels like the right decision as well.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have looked at a variety of midfielders, seeking potential replacements for Fernandez. There are not many who have his profile. And even those who do, are rarely doing things at his level.
Fernandez is someone who has often been on the receiving end of criticism from Chelsea fans. Nobody can deny what he brings to this team though.
His numbers have skyrocketed over the last couple of seasons in terms of goals and assists. He is adept at controlling the tempo of the game as well, although he is not asked to do that often these days. And he is one of the few leaders in this team with top level experience.
If the BlueCo project is to succeed, the last thing they need is players like Fernandez leaving. Not only would it hurt the team but it would be terrible for optics as well.
