22 May 2026 13:09 BST |
4 min read
Enzo Fernandez is edging closer to a Chelsea exit, with reports suggesting there is a “strong chance” that his final appearance for the club will come against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
The Argentina midfielder has been one of Chelsea’s most important players since his arrival from Benfica for €121 million in January 2023, but he dropped several hints suggesting that he will look to leave the club in March, and an exit is now on the cards.
Fernandez, 25, still has six years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, however rumours of a possible exit this summer have intensified over the past few months and he is set to be the subject of significant transfer interest when the window opens.
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea’s new manager gave hope that Fernandez would opt to remain in west London for the foreseeable future, due to the allure of playing under one of the best midfielders of the 2000s and a highly-rated young coach.
However, this will not be the case, according to The Independent, who claim that Real Madrid “will make a move” for Fernandez this summer.
Furthermore, it’s reported there is a “strong chance” that Fernandez’s last game for Chelsea will be against Sunderland in their final Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season on Sunday.
There is reportedly “increasingly belief” that Fernandez will depart Stamford Bridge during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Real Madrid poised to make a move if they are unable to finalise a deal for Manchester City star Rodri – who is their top midfield target.
Analysis: How much will Enzo Fernandez cost this summer?
Fernandez is Chelsea’s vice-captain and he has been one of their best players this season, registering 15 goals and seven assists in 53 games across all competitions, despite the club’s struggles.
As a result, the Blues will be desperate to retain his services and they are likely to demand a fee well in excess of his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €91.3m.
Real Madrid, or fellow interested clubs Man City and Paris Saint-Germain, will therefore be required to fork out a considerable amount of money to secure the 25-year-old’s signature before the start of next season, which could prove to be a stumbling block.
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