Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, but Jose Mourinho could have his eye on someone else at Stamford Bridge.
10:51, 04 Jun 2026
Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto of Chelsea celebrate 1st goal during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United on April 26, 2026 in London, England
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Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto during Chelsea's win over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final(Image: Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho has previously confessed his 'love' for Pedro Neto. The 62-year-old, who's yet to be unveiled as the new Real Madrid head coach, appears to have already lined up a couple of signings ahead of his prospective appointment, reportedly prising Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate from Inter Milan and Liverpool, respectively.
Enzo Fernández has also been heavily linked with a move to Los Blancos, as Mourinho looks to spearhead a rebuild at the Santiago Bernabeu. football.london understands that the 25-year-old midfielder wants to leave Chelsea this summer.
The Blues want to keep Fernandez, whom they signed from Benfica for £106.7million in 2023, but they won't stand in his way if they receive an offer worth £120m. It's understood that Real Madrid are interested in signing the Argentina international Fernandez, but, as it stands, it's unclear whether they would be willing to pay the asking price.
In the meantime, previous comments made by 'The Special One' about a Chelsea player have resurfaced, throwing a spanner in the works. In September 2025, Mourinho singled out Neto for praise, describing the Blues winger as 'one of the best wingers in the world'.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of Benfica's clash against Chelsea in the Champions League, the former Blues and Tottenham Hotspur boss said: "Neto is one of the best wingers in the world.
"Enzo Maresca is privileged because he has three, four players of a similar profile. Of course, I would love to have Pedro Neto at Benfica, but he's playing in a different reality with a different finances."
Interestingly, Mourinho only cited finances as an obstacle to securing Neto's signature. The 62-year-old has since stepped down at Benfica to take the reins at Real Madrid, a club notorious for its riches.
The Chelsea star returned the compliment to Mourinho, revealing that it would be a 'privilege' to play for him. Speaking to reporters, Neto, said: "You cannot have a divided opinion on him (Mourinho).
"What he did for Portugal, what he did for Portuguese people, what he has won. People in Portugal respect him a lot and know the value that he has. Benfica hired him for that reason.
Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto celebrate after Chelsea's win over Leeds United
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Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto celebrate(Image: Robin Jones)
"He is one of the biggest names in Portugal with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Luis] Figo. It would be a privilege to be managed by Jose Mourinho, who wouldn't want to be managed by him?"
On Wednesday night, Florentino Pérez announced on social media that Mourinho will be appointed as the new Real Madrid head coach if he wins the club’s presidential election this weekend. The 79-year-old uploaded a video of the Portuguese coach, wearing a Los Blancos shirt, simply saying: "Yes!"
The clip followed the slogan: "So MOUch history to be made..."
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