Enzo Fernandez has fuelled rumours he could leave Chelsea for Real Madrid, admitting he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
The Blues midfielder has appeared to cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, with the LaLiga giants being touted as his preferred next destination.
5
Up in the air
Fernandez has dropped a series of hints that he could be set to leave west London at the end of the season.
This began in the aftermath of Chelsea’s second leg defeat to Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League round of 16, he couldn’t confirm he’d be at the club following the World Cup.
When quizzed on where he would be playing next season, Fernandez replied: “I don’t know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup.
“There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.”
The 25-year-old then added fuel to the fire in a separate interview, where he appeared to criticise the Chelsea board over their decision to allow former boss Enzo Maresca to leave the club in January.
eSPORTY understands Fernandez would be open to a move to Real Madrid in the summer, although the Spanish giants are yet to make a formal move.
Fernandez: Of course I’d live in Madrid
In a new interview with Argentine online personality Marcos Giles, Fernandez has added to speculation that he could be set for a Madrid switch, as he revealed the city was on his bucket list.
The World Cup winner first admitted he’d be keen on returning to Argentina later on in his career, saying: “I want to go back, and I want to go back in good shape, feeling good.”
When asked if he would like to live in another country, Fernandez then replied: “I really like Madrid – it’s similar to Buenos Aires.
Pressed on whether he would live there, the Chelsea star insisted: “Yes, of course.”
5
5
Despite dropping a huge hint over his next destination, Fernandez stopped short of naming Real Madrid as the club he would join.
Pretending to be oblivious to recent rumours, the interview jokingly suggested the midfielder could play for other local sides Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano.
To this, Fernandez smiled and said: “[I’d play] Wherever God wants me to.”
Which other clubs could Fernandez join?
Fernandez has also been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabia.
eSPORTY understands his preference is a switch to LaLiga, and that PSG have not taken any steps to try and sign the Chelsea midfielder despite several reports.
Fernandez does have genuine interest from Al Ittihad but is not open to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.
5
Fernandez’s future: Everything we know
Chelsea don’t want to lose Fernandez and he has not directly told the club he wants to leave.
However, eSPORTY has learned the Argentine was left disappointed by the manner of Enzo Maresca’s exit and is actively exploring options without outright agitating for a transfer away.
Fernandez next move is could be influenced by whether Chelsea qualify again for the Champions League, with his wish to continue playing in the competition with regularity.
The Blues currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, a point and a place below fifth-place Liverpool, which is the likely cut-off point for qualification.
Despite uncertainty around his future, Chelsea sources remain calm about the situation.
Fernandez is contracted until 2032 having already had a club-option on his long-term contract triggered.
5
Initial conversations over a new deal have begun but these are not advanced, and any agreement is not close.
Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British transfer record £107million, and even if the Blues were to U-turn on their current stance, no sale would be sanctioned for a book loss.
These circumstances make any exit this summer complicated, however the player is open to this should Real come calling.
