Enzo Fernandez (25, Chelsea, Midfielder) has reportedly reached a firm decision to only leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid, allegedly rejecting advances from Manchester City as the fallout from Liam Rosenior’s dismissal continues. Chelsea sacked Rosenior on April 22 after 107 days in charge, following a run of five consecutive defeats and a breakdown in squad discipline. Despite the player's preference for a move to the Bernabéu, Chelsea hierarchy value the Argentine in excess of the £106.8 million paid in 2023 and have no immediate intention to facilitate a sale, particularly given Fernandez is under contract until 2032.
Fernandez and Cucurella accused of undermining Rosenior
The final weeks of Rosenior’s tenure were marked by internal friction, culminating in a two-match suspension for Fernandez in early April following public comments regarding his future. Speaking on the Overlap, Gary Neville accused Fernandez and Marc Cucurella (27, Chelsea, Left-back) of having "stitched up" the manager by praising previous boss Enzo Maresca as results declined. Rosenior, who was dismissed after Chelsea fell to 8th in the Premier League, noted that the suspension of Fernandez was necessary because a line was crossed regarding club culture. Tensions reached a peak when Wesley Fofana reportedly snubbed the manager after being substituted against Manchester United, highlighting a wider rift between the coaching staff and a senior core of players.
Manchester City interest and Real Madrid preference
While reports from El Nacional suggest Fernandez has his sights set exclusively on Madrid, The Athletic reports that Manchester City have weighed up the midfielder as a potential successor to Bernardo Silva. However, the financial landscape makes any exit complex. Having signed an eight-year deal upon arrival, Fernandez remains one of the club's most significant capital assets on the balance sheet. Chelsea paid a British record fee to Benfica for his services, and any departure would likely require a figure surpassing that £106.8m mark to satisfy PSR requirements and the board's valuation. With the club suffering an 8-2 aggregate exit from the Champions League to PSG under Rosenior, the hierarchy must now balance the need for squad stability under interim manager Calum McFarlane against the clear desire of high-profile players to sought moves elsewhere.
Chelsea’s search for a permanent successor to Rosenior is expected to begin immediately while the board addresses Fernandez's long-term future.