Chelsea’s internal friction continues as Enzo Fernandez finds himself locked in a tense salary standoff that mirrors the very financial disputes that precipitated Enzo Maresca’s exit from the club.
Enzo Maresca’s time as Chelsea manager ended abruptly, fueled by escalating tensions with the club’s ownership.
His exit sent shockwaves through the dressing room, with many players feeling blindsided by the sudden departure of a coach who had been attempting to instill a cohesive tactical vision. Among those most affected was Enzo Fernandez, who had become a cornerstone of Maresca’s midfield setup.
The Argentine international was stunned by the decision, admitting that he had no idea why the decision had been made for him to leave.
Now, the midfielder finds himself in a precarious position, grappling with both the loss of his mentor and a growing contract issue with the hierarchy.
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One of the reasons Enzo Maresca left Chelsea was because of his salary
In a new report from BBC Sport, they claim that Enzo Maresca had another disagreement with the Chelsea owners over his salary at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca ultimately departed Chelsea after a dispute encompassing transfers, his salary and what was perceived as medical department meddling in his use of players.
It was widely reported that Maresca signed a five-year deal, with a further 12-month option, worth around £4m per season when he arrived from Leicester in 2024.
And as he left after just 18 months, it means the potential £14m was left outstanding.
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Enzo Fernandez in a similar situation at Chelsea
The parallels between the current contract dispute involving Enzo Fernandez and the disagreements that led to Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure are becoming increasingly difficult for the club to ignore.
Much like the former manager, Fernandez is pushing for improved terms to match his perceived value and ambition, but the club has been hesitant to meet those demands.
While Chelsea has floated the idea of a record-breaking deal to ward off interest from European giants like Real Madrid, a formal agreement remains elusive.
This ongoing impasse creates a dangerous environment, especially with Champions League football going amiss as well, leaving them with little control.
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