Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea failed in their attempts to bring in a replacement for Enzo Fernandez on deadline day, as the Blues stuck to their word and gave Man City their blessing – green-lighting a £125m move.
Chelsea had the chance to stop Fernandez’s move after learning that Monaco had pulled the plug on Camara’s £47m move to Stamford Bridge. Monaco needed a sale and preferred to sell Folarin Balogun.
However, Balogun rejected a move to Everton just when Monaco pulled the plug on Chelsea’s move for the Senegal international. Now, no-one is happy, because Monaco have left a big hole in their finances.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Indeed, sporting director Thiago Scuro is under intense scrutiny and could be sacked, having failed to fix Monaco’s financial issues. He may save himself if Fenerbahce move before the Turkish deadline on Friday.
Camara was not the only midfielder Chelsea were pursuing on the final day of the window. Going into deadline day, Roma midfielder Manu Kone looked the more likely signing to arrive in West London.
READ MORE: Chelsea have got it badly wrong with £17m star, now he’s been left in limbo
David Ornstein names Sander Berge as Chelsea’s other target
But there were reports that Chelsea were also pursuing a mystery Premier League midfielder on the final day. Now, David Ornstein tells The Athletic’s post-window podcast that it was Fulham’s Sander Berge.
“Chelsea would have wanted a replacement, not necessarily like for like or direct, but they would have wanted to enhance their squad. They really looked like they were going for Manu Kone on the final day.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“But Italy’s transfer window closed early. Roma would have needed a replacement. There were some complications around that; they [Chelsea] had other possibilities. I heard names like Sander Berge.
“We know Lamine Camara became the one they went for in the end, and we’ll come on to talk about that drama. Why did Chelsea leave it until that point? People are frustrated for them,” Ornstein went on to say.
It might be a good thing Chelsea did not pursue Berge deal
There is no doubting that Berge is a solid Premier League player. He is a good player in that Fulham side, the team Chelsea beat in Xabi Alonso’s first game as Chelsea boss. But as Fernandez’s replacement?
Fulham v VfB Stuttgart - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
It is hugely underwhelming. Berge is a holding midfielder, known for his combative features, disrupting play and winning headers. Yes, technically, he is astute. But to put it simply, Chelsea can do a lot better.
Had Chelsea signed Berge as Fernandez’s replacement, fans would have been calling for another signing in midfield. With Camara, he was the Fernandez replacement. He might have done a job at Chelsea.
But the Blues need a better midfielder to be labelled the replacement for Fernandez, who left for a British-record-equalling fee. For now, Chelsea will have to make do with their five current midfield options.