Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea, and Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea, and Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Maresca has the right to be unhappy about some things that happened at Chelsea last season.
For example, following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, it was more than reasonable for Maresca to ask for a new central defender.
In the end, Chelsea paid the price for not signing one. Defensively, they were shocking and were very fortunate to finish in the top half of the Premier League table after coming 10th.
However, how Maresca reacted to that and other setbacks was awful, with the Italian eventually resigning before replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He now wants to sign Enzo Fernandez from his former club (he has to be joking, right?).
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
After everything that has happened, after the manner in which Chelsea’s entire 2025/26 campaign collapsed because of his abrupt exit, the club would have to be absolutely spineless to allow him to get his hands on one of their most prized possessions.
Honestly, saying no to Maresca and City is the easiest decision that the Chelsea board will have to make this summer.
Yes, Fernandez wants to go. But as things stand, City do not want to pay Fernandez’s £120m valuation, while the midfielder still has six years left on his contract. Those are more reasons for Chelsea to block Fernandez from joining Maresca at City.
Chelsea Head Coach / Manager Enzo Maresca talks to Enzo Fernandez
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Earlier this week, Fernandez reported to Cobham. His preference may be to leave Chelsea in this transfer window, but the Argentine seems unwilling to kick up a fuss to get his move.
Chelsea have all the leverage here, plus motivation to say no following the breakdown in their relationship with Maresca.
And, of course, what cannot be overlooked is how Chelsea go about replacing Fernandez. There is not another midfielder on the market like the Argentina international, giving the Club World Cup holders yet another reason not to sell him to their Premier League rivals.