Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
By the time Chelsea do battle with Brighton on Sunday afternoon in their second Premier League game of the season, Enzo Fernandez may no longer be a Chelsea player.
Chelsea even play against Luton Town on Thursday night in the Carabao Cup, but it would be no surprise for Fernandez to be missing from the entire squad. On Monday, Fernandez came on as a substitute.
It comes amid all the noise about an incoming bid from Man City. Shortly after Chelsea’s 3-2 win over the Cottagers, reports emerged that City are preparing an offer that is believed to be worth north of £120m.
If true, Fernandez will probably have been aware of the incoming City bid when he came on, and when the Chelsea players went across to the away end to applaud the travelling support on Monday.
What John Terry noticed about Enzo Fernandez on Monday
When committed and at his best, Fernandez remains one of Chelsea’s best players – there’s absolutely no doubt about that. Yet, Xabi Alonso didn’t allow calibre to pick his team. He brought him on as a sub.
During the celebrations, Fernandez was seen briefly applauding fans before heading down the tunnel ahead of the rest of the Blues squad. John Terry was watching, and he discussed the incident on YouTube.
“You can see he’s in his own space at the moment. I did see him acknowledge our supporters. Maybe not as much as everyone else, but he definitely did it. As long as he’s performing on the pitch for me.
Chelsea's Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez passes the ball
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
“I’m sure I speak for every other Chelsea fan, as long as he gives absolutely everything until that point, whether he gets his move or not. I’m sure if he doesn’t get his move, we’ll probably have to address it.
“But that’s maybe a different issue. Whether he wants to then remain is a different subject. But whilst he puts on that Chelsea shirt, he shows me what he showed me last night. I’m happy; he’s still a top player.”
What’s the latest on Fernandez’s potential move to Man City?
Having missed Chelsea’s deadline, it is believed Chelsea will only accept bids north of the £120m price tag initially placed on Fernandez’s head. Some reports say a deal worth £130m or £140m could be tabled.
Sander Berge on Chelsea team
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
It is believed an offer will be made at some point on Wednesday, with City already having an agreement in principle with the Argentina star on a contract until June 2032. City now need to agree a record fee.
Certainly, he is going to cost more than Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to The Etihad. With City set to make a bid today, there is every chance that come Sunday, Fernandez will have moved to Manchester.