Enzo Fernandez could not help Chelsea qualify for European football after the Blues’ defeat to Sunderland on Sunday.
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 at the Stadium of Light and finished 10th in the Premier League table as a result.
It means Xabi Alonso’s side will not even be in the Conference League next season, though it is unlikely that someone like Fernandez would have been satisfied with playing in Europe’s third tier competition anyway.
After that awful performance against Sunderland, which players do Chelsea need to get rid of this summer? 😡
Chelsea player ratings vs Sunderland
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Enzo Fernandez keen to play in the Champions League next season
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fernandez wants to play Champions League football, something that Chelsea can no longer offer him.
It will only increase the chances of the midfielder leaving Stamford Bridge this summer as he continues to attract interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.
It is thought that Fernandez’s future is still undecided, but everything is pointing towards an exit when the transfer window opens.
No Champions League money also means that Chelsea are probably going to have to make a big sale or two ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
All in all, it has been a disastrous season for Fernandez and Chelsea, who could now part ways.
How would you rate Chelsea’s season 1️⃣-🔟?
A 10th place finish and no silverware for the Blues!
Sunderland v Chelsea - Premier League
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Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea heading for collision course
Things could be about to get really ugly between Fernandez and Chelsea. There is no doubt that the 25-year-old is unhappy right now and would be open to a move in the summer.
However, he is one of Chelsea’s best players and has a contract until 2032. The Blues will not want to let him go, and if they are prepared to, he will not cost a small fee.
Ultimately, Chelsea could make it difficult for Fernandez to leave. It may take a transfer request to make a deal happen.
Hopefully Alonso can convince him to stay, but at this stage, you would have to question whether this Chelsea squad needs an unhappy player sticking around. The atmosphere at the club is already quite bad and that will not improve it.
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