Enzo Fernandez still faces an uncertain future at Chelsea and now teammate Moises Caicedo has spoken about the Argentina midfielder
Moises Caicedo of Chelsea FC talks to media during the Chelsea Press Conference at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 4, 2026 in Hong Kong, China
Moises Caicedo speaks to the press(Image: Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Moises Caicedo wants Enzo Fernandez to stay at Chelsea. Before the World Cup earlier this summer, the 25-year-old midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho looked to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
football.london understands that, at the end of May, Fernandez informed higher-ups at Stamford Bridge of his desire to leave. So, the Blues gave the Argentine, whom they signed from Benfica for £106million in February 2023, a £120m price tag.
Then, at the start of July, Los Blancos released a statement firmly denying they have made any effort to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, either directly or through intermediaries. The Spanish giants also claimed, despite their 'utmost respect' for the playmaker as a player, they have 'no intention of undertaking such an operation'.
Real Madrid later insisted they have an 'excellent relationship' with the Blues, having wrapped up a deal for Marc Cucurella the month prior. Although Fernandez, who has six years left on his contract with Chelsea, has never publicly announced his plan to leave, he still faces an uncertain future in west London.
As it stands, it remains unclear whether or not he'll still be at the club this season. Speaking to reporters at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Tuesday ahead of a pre-season friendly against Juventus, Caicedo claimed it would be 'massive' if the Blues could hold onto Fernandez.
"I love Enzo," said the 24-year-old midfielder. "He knows I have a lot of respect for him because, as we know, the player he is. Not just the player, he is a great person.
"I want him to stay, but I am not going to talk about that. If he stays here, it's going to be massive for us."
Enzo Fernandez of Argentina gestures looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States
Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the World Cup final(Image: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Last month, Xabi Alonso was asked if he wanted to keep Fernandez. After replying, 'yes', the Chelsea manager added: "We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private."
The Argentine first cast doubt on his future in March, when he refused to guarantee that he would still be at the club next season during an interview with ESPN Argentina. Liam Rosenior downplayed speculation, claiming his words had been misinterpreted.
Then, shortly after reporting for international duty, Fernandez let rip during an appearance on the Avirales YouTube channel, expressing his desire to one day live in the Spanish capital. He was given an in-house two-match ban by higher-ups at Stamford Bridge for his actions.
Fernandez eventually returned to action for Chelsea and even donned the captain's armband on a few occasions. Nevertheless, the Argentine will be one of a few players to report late for pre-season, having gone the distance with his country at the World Cup.