The Enzo Fernandez saga at Chelsea is expected to run long into the summer, and the Blues will be able to drop their valuation if they want to sell him for his book value.
Fernandez appeared to wave goodbye to Chelsea fans following their final day defeat to Sunderland, with him making no secret of his admiration to live in Madrid in the future.
Manchester City are also keen on Fernandez, with the chance to reunite the midfielder with Enzo Maresca when he takes over as their new manager.
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Chelsea expected to be lenient with Enzo Fernandez’s book value at £70m
Fernandez was the club’s record signing for a small period of time, and there will be a desperation to not lose too much of that if he does depart.
However, Simon Phillips has reported that his ‘book fee’ when taking into account the years he has already been at the club is around £70m.
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He stated on his Substack that he believes Chelsea will be more lenient on the fee than those thinking they will hold out for more than £100m.
He said: “Book value, which is believed to be around £70m give or take, is going to be reachable for clubs interested in signing him this summer. As I reported yesterday, I don’t expect Chelsea to hold out for £100m to sell him as is reported elsewhere.
“The fact he is now actively pushing to go and REALLY wants out, means Chelsea are going to have to be a bit lenient on the fee. Asking for book value means asking for at least £70m. As I said yesterday, I see around £85m as the fee we might open talks for, maybe less.
“I think clubs will be willing to start negotiations around that kind of fee. So that makes his sale more realistic now this summer. The only reason he doesn’t go is if Chelsea cannot find a club willing to put the money down to sign him.”
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Xabi Alonso’s stance on Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea will be hoping that the hiring of Xabi Alonso will play a factor in the thinking of a number of their big-name stars this summer.
Alonso wants to keep Fernandez, but will be aware of his situation and how desperate he is to turn out for Real Madrid.
Selling the World Cup winner would leave a void which needs filling for Chelsea in the heart of midfield.
Replacing his goals is going to be a tough task too. Only Joao Pedro scored more goals for them this season than Fernandez.
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