Enzo Fernandez wasn't asked about his future in the build-up to Argentina's World Cup win over Austria. But it appears to be one destined to end up in the Spanish capital of Madrid. Real Madrid is the biggest club stage on the planet, and on the evidence of Fernandez's latest performance here at the World Cup, he deserves to be on it.
Mourinho Eyes Fernandez for Real Madrid Rebuild
Returning Real manager Jose Mourinho has made the Chelsea midfielder one of his main summer targets. Having seen Real endure back-to-back seasons of failure, Mourinho knows a new backbone is required. Some substance to complement the gifts of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., provided the fractured relationship with Mourinho is repaired. And there are few better at the highest level to provide one than Fernandez.
Lionel Messi might have taken the headlines again in Dallas, becoming the World Cup's greatest ever goalscorer. But Fernandez's contribution cannot be underestimated. In the world of the dark arts and dirty work, Fernandez comes into his own. If there's trouble to be had, he is usually in the middle of it—a bit like the manager he could be about to join up with. He broke up play, started play, and cherished the ball like it belonged to him alone. He dominated the midfield like the enforcer he can be.
Chelsea's Powerless Stance
Fernandez can be perpetual motion when he wants to be, but also petulant at times, as Chelsea have found out. Chelsea will attempt to foot its foot down and stop Fernandez from leaving Stamford Bridge, but new manager Xabi Alonso will feel powerless. He is walking into a scenario of which he has little or no control. He cannot offer Fernandez European football at all, due to the failings of those before him.
While Mourinho can offer him Champions League football at a club which has won it a record 15 times and will be favourites to do so again next season, few could blame Fernandez for wanting to go to Madrid. Because it's almost impossible to offer up a reason for him not to. Fernandez was crude to have pinned his colours to the mast several months ago, during a difficult season for both him and Chelsea. But there is little or no loyalty in the game now.
Profit for Chelsea
At least Chelsea can take some solace from the fact that, at this rate, Fernandez is adding significant value to his potential price tag. He cost a then British record £106 million when he joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023. So Chelsea will be looking to make a significant profit when it comes to cashing in. And cashing in is what Fernandez will be doing if he gets what he wants, because turning out for Real remains the pinnacle of any player's club career.
