Xabi Alonso will know that he has a lot of work to do to get Chelsea back on track. Despite spending north of a billion pounds, BlueCo have somehow assembled a squad that can’t even qualify for the Champions League consistently. They have missed in three of the last four seasons. Those are not the standards at Stamford Bridge.
Of course, a lot of focus will be on signing quality players this summer. The Blues could sign anywhere between two to five starters depending on the outlet you ask. But on the other hand, it will be equally important to keep hold of their best players.
One who firmly falls under that category is Enzo Fernandez. The performance against Tottenham Hotspur, a goal and an assist, was another reminder of what he is capable of and why top clubs around Europe want to sign him. Chelsea simply have to do everything possible to keep him around.
Of course, Fernandez is not the only key player being linked with a exit. Joao Pedro is wanted by Barcelona. Marc Cucurella is on the radar of both Barca and Atletico Madrid. Alonso was directly asked about those three while speaking to El Chiringuito TV in his first interview since being announced as Chelsea’s new manager. He replied (via ChelsTransfer):
“That’s football. We’ll make a good team.”
Chelsea cannot allow three of their best performers to leave in the same window
Looking at the financial reality of the situation, Chelsea might need to let some players go if they want to invest in new ones this summer. That being said, they cannot allow three of their best performers to leave.
Out of those three, Chelsea fans would be most comfortable with the exit of Cucurella. While Fernandez’s performance levels have remained steady despite all the speculation, the same cannot be said about the Spaniard.
Not too long ago, he was being considered the best left-back in the league. He is no longer in that conversation. Also, Jorrel Hato’s performances might be giving the fans a lot of confidence that Cucurella can be replaced. Also, there has been speculation about a potential move to bring back Lewis Hall. There is no doubt that would be an immense signing if the Blues can pull it off.
Enzo Fernandez should be handed new contract
A lot is expected to depend on Fernandez’s contract situation. It is still not certain that he will be staying on at Chelsea beyond this season even though the noise around a potential exit has quietened significantly over the past few weeks after his two-game suspension and public comments made by his agent.
The best-case scenario would be Chelsea agreeing a contract extension in line with the club’s highest earners. Fernandez’s performances certainly justify that.
Of course, his current deal runs until the summer of 2032. So, even if he wants to leave, the Blues will be in a great negotiating position.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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