Enzo Fernandez could be one of several Chelsea players to be moved on this summer
Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans may have noticed an intriguing celebration from vice-captain Enzo Fernandez last week, when his long-range effort hit the back of the net to give the Blues a 1-0 lead against Spurs. The Argentina international clasped his hand to the side of his head, forming the shape of an old-fashioned telephone.
Was he making reference to Xavi Simons’ similar celebration earlier in the season that referenced the Dutchman’s decision to pick Spurs over the Blues? Was he perhaps letting Tottenham know that relegation was calling? Maybe it was a signal to the Chelsea board to get contract talks underway - or, a message to other clubs to give his agent a ring?
Regardless of Fernandez’s actual intentions, the fact remains that his future at Stamford Bridge is very much up in the air. Following the club-imposed two match ban he received last month for an interview in which he hinted at a desire to move to Madrid, his agent came out and bullishly claimed that contract talks with Chelsea had stalled, and that the 25-year-old would be considering his options if improved terms weren’t agreed after this summer’s World Cup.
Clearly, despite a subsequent apology from Fernandez’s camp, things aren’t so rosy between the £107m midfielder and the west London side. With new manager Xabi Alonso taking the reins in July, big changes are expected in the squad, and the ex-Real Madrid manager will only want players who are 100% committed to the cause.
While selling Fernandez would undoubtably make Chelsea a weaker side, it may be time to accept his exit as an inevitability - better to sell him now when his value is at its peak, perhaps. Manchester City and Real Madrid are both expected to be in the running for his signature, and the Blues will be keen to avoid a drawn out, summer-long transfer saga.
The midfielders who could replace Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea - Wharton to Stiller
Adam Wharton: The back-flipping midfielder will have been gutted to miss out on England’s World Cup squad, being left stranded on the runway as 35-year-old Jordan Henderson cheekily grins out the plane window. Crystal Palace’s Wharton has enjoyed an excellent first full season with the club, after missing much of the 2024/25 campaign with a groin injury.
Always looking to drive the ball forward, he’d add some much needed thrust to Chelsea’s often pedestrian play. Interest in the ex-Blackburn Rovers star is set to be high this summer, with Man United and Liverpool both ready to rival the Blues for his signature. Should Crystal Palace win the Conference League, however, he may well stay for another season to play Europa League football in 2026/27.
Mateus Fernandes: West Ham will learn their relegation fate this weekend, with the odds firmly stacked against them ahead of the Premier League season’s grand finale. Regardless of whether they stay up or go down, Fernandes will likely be sold, after proving himself as a top class midfielder capable of thriving in England’s top tier.
He’s a class above most of the Irons squad, and is said to have piqued the interest of both Arsenal and Manchester United. While Chelsea may struggle to beat the two Champions League clubs to his signature, they could swoop in and seal the deal should both look elsewhere in their summer recruitment drive.
Angelo Stiller: Moving away from the Premier League, Stiller is another high quality midfielder likely to be up for grabs this summer. A highly-intelligent passer who excels at setting the tempo, the 25-year-old could breathe new life into Chelsea’s midfield. The VfB Stuttgart gem will get to showcase his talent on the global stage this summer too, having made Germany’s World Cup squad.
The midfielders who could replace Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea - Scott to Garner
Alex Scott: Another Premier League gem to be linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, the Bournemouth midfielder has enjoyed a real breakout season in the Premier League. He’s thought to be high on the club’s wish list of potential summer signings, but is unlikely to be sold for less than £60m.
Like Fernandes and Wharton, the Blues wouldn’t have a clear run at signing him, with plenty of other elite clubs on the lookout for a midfielder of Scott’s calibre. The 22-year-old has played a central role in the Cherries’ push for Champions League football this season, and scored the winning goal in his side’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Arsenal back in April.
Arda Guler: Could Alonso go back to his former club to capture Guler? We wouldn’t bet against it. The Spanish coach used the 21-year-old in a role similar to Fernandez’s at Chelsea when at Real Madrid, and he made our list of Alonso favourites who the new Blues manager could lure to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Should Fernandez go to Los Blancos, rather than Manchester City, Chelsea could use this to their advantage and demand Guler alongside a hefty fee in exchange for their wantaway vice-captain.
James Garner: Like Wharton, he’ll have been gutted not to make England’s World Cup squad - Garner could leave Everton this summer to boost his chances of future selection. A tough tackler with an eye for goal, the ex-Manchester United prospect won’t be short of admirers when the summer transfer window opens on June 15th.
It’s worth noting that the 25-year-old only signed a new contract with the Toffees back in January, extending his stay with the Merseyside club until at least 2030. Contracts in football, of course, are rarely worth the paper they’re written on - but it would mean Everton could demand a hefty sum of money for their star midfielder.
Continue Reading