Chelsea saw Enzo Fernandez leave on deadline day without landing a replacement and Xabi Alonso is now eyeing the free agent market to fill the void
Enzo Fernandez has left Chelsea to join Man City
Enzo Fernandez has left Chelsea to join Man City(Image: Manchester City FC)
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Chelsea are weighing up a shock move for Georginio Wijnaldum after seeing Enzo Fernandez leave on deadline day and their move for a replacement fall through.
The Blues were heavily involved in the major headlines on the last day of the transfer window, seeing Fernandez leave for Manchester City in a record £125million deal whilst their pursuit of Lamine Camara at Monaco failed to materialise.
It has left Xabi Alonso light in midfield and, with the window closed, the west Londoners have turned to the free agent market. That has led them to Liverpool's former midfielder Wijnaldum, who left the club in 2021.
Foot Mercato reports that Chelsea have contacted Wijnaldum, now 35, as they prepared to offer him a route back into the Premier League, where he previously played for the Reds and Newcastle.
The Dutchman is on the market having left Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the summer and Alonso sees him as a good option in the interim given the experience he has in England's top flight - winning the title back in 2020 at Anfield.
Wijnaldum made 277 appearances across his time in England, coming up with crucial goals and proving to be part of a hugely effective Liverpool midfield. He showed he can be still effective and scored 17 times in 34 outings for Al-Ettifaq last season, but didn't earn himself a new deal.
So far this season, with Alonso implementing his own philosophy, Romeo Lavia has started both games in the middle of the pitch. He's been partnered by Reece James and Cole Palmer whilst Fernandez was omitted from the team amid the talk of him moving away.
Georginio Wijnaldum won the Champions League and the Premier League whilst at Liverpool
Georginio Wijnaldum won the Champions League and the Premier League whilst at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Despite letting the World Cup winner leave Alonso maintained, when quizzed on the situation, that he was prepared to do what was best for the team.
Speaking after their 4-3 win over Brighton the new Chelsea boss said: "We will see. We want the best for team. If anything that will happen or develop, we are not sure. We are preparing for all the scenarios, but I know that from Wednesday, we have a team to challenge and I want to win."
The Blues also have Moises Caicedo, who signed in a £115m deal, as one of their key midfielders but the Ecuadorian limped off on Sunday.
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