Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea speaks to team mate Romeo Lavia after the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England
Enzo Fernandez faces an awkward chat with Xabi Alonso(Image: Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Enzo Fernandez was booed by Chelsea fans upon his return to Stamford Bridge as his transfer stand-off turned messy yesterday.
Less than 24 hours after Chelsea's deadline to meet their £120million valuation passed without any official bids, the Argentina international was back in west London for Xabi Alonso's debut in the home dugout at Stamford Bridge.
But despite a 3-1 win over the manager's former side Real Sociedad, it was somewhat overshadowed by an awkward introduction for Fernandez.
Upon the hour mark, the 25-year-old midfielder stood alone on the sidelines for a few moments before he was joined by Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong; Mike Penders was late to the party.
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Fernandez exchanged a few words with his teammates, who were also waiting to come on, and then received some instructions from the coaching staff.
At first, you could cut the tension with a knife as the Argentine and supporters alike waited for the fourth official to display the electronic substitution board.
The Stamford Bridge home faithful rose to their feet as Robert Sanchez, Maxence Lacroix, the new man on the block, Morgan Rogers, the goalscorer, and Reece James, the skipper, left the field.
Then, the moment that everyone had been waiting for. James wrapped the captain's armband around Fernandez's arm before giving him a hug, as if to say, 'good luck!'
The wantaway vice-skipper brushed his hand through the turf, kissed it, nervously readjusted his collar, and shook hands with his partner in crime, Moises Caicedo.
Fernandez received a mixed reception. At first, he was booed, but then supporters in the Matthew Harding and Shed End leapt to his defence, chanting his name as they tried to drown out the other half of the divided fanbase.
Booed, then cheered, booed, then cheered, Fernandez didn't know whether he was friend or foe. Ally or public enemy number one.
When the Argentine first received the ball, he was hounded with expletives. But, as Fernandez grew into the game, those in the Matthew Harding and Shed End showed their support.
Weirdly, Fernandez wasn't really given an ultimatum when he headed down the tunnel upon the final whistle. Closely followed by Romeo Lavia, the Argentine was the first to leave the field.
While a fan shouted at him, asking for his first and not his head, Fernandez wandered down the tunnel and was not to be seen again.
Alonso will look to finalise his preparations for the new campaign before the Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday, August 24. So, the Argentine could be set for an awkward chat or two with his new gaffer...