Xabi Alonso will have to roll up his sleeves. At Chelsea, a huge job awaits him both on the pitch and in the locker room and behind the scenes of the club. Indeed, the Spanish technician, who is already unanimous among the London players, will have to restore order at all levels. Questioned yesterday by El Chiringuitothe former Real Madrid coach confided about his new mission: “Chelsea is a great project. This is a very good option. Rumors of player departures? We will make a good team”. Moreover, Marca added that the technician named his five untouchables of the team, namely Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Enzo Fernández.
One last one at Chelsea?
What reassures the Blues and their supporters? Not really. For several months, the Enzo Fernandez case has been talked about in England. The Argentinian has made numerous media outings regarding his future with the residents of Stamford Bridge, leaving little doubt as to his departure intentions. His visit to Madrid, during his free time, also got people talking. Especially since it came after statements which caused a lot of noise. “I would like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid; It reminds me of Buenos Aires. Players live wherever they want. I would live in Madrid.” For many, it was a message to Real Madrid, the club he wants to join. Shortly after, he was dismissed by Liam Rosenior and Chelsea, who did not appreciate his behavior and his multiple foot calls.
The player’s agent, Javier Pastore, stepped up after this decision deemed unfair. “Enzo didn’t understand the situation. When the coach told him about it, he accepted it, because he is an exemplary professional who always gives his all wherever he is and who respects decisions, but we do not understand this sanction, because he does not name any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he would like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, because it’s similar to Buenos Aires and because it makes sense — it’s completely natural for an Argentinian to say that.” Subsequently, things calmed down and the 2022 world champion was able to continue the season with the Blues.
Real Madrid in their sights
Unlike Liam Rosenior. Enzo Fernandez has made 53 appearances this season (15 goals and 7 assists). He should add a 54th on Sunday against Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League. A meeting which could be his last in the blue jersey. The Independent reveals this Friday that the native of San Martin has a good chance of playing his last match at Chelsea this weekend. The English publication, which consulted sources close to the matter, assures that Real Madrid will try its luck to recruit the Argentinian. A young and experienced player, who can bring many qualities to the midfield. A sector of play that the Merengues want to strengthen. In recent days, the name of Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP) has been put forward. José Mourinho would appreciate his profile and the SCP is open to a sale of around €50 million.
But he doesn’t have the same experience as Enzo Fernandez. Rodri also has supporters in the Iberian capital. The departure of Pep Guardiola from City changes the situation for the Spaniard, who has increased his appeals to the Madrilenians. He has experience and knows La Liga well. But his case is not unanimous in Madrid, where some believe that he has a profile too similar to that of AurĂ©lien Tchouameni and that he is no longer very young (almost 30 years old). The track leading to Enzo Fernandez, who is 25 years old and who has also been linked to PSG, therefore still has a chance of succeeding according to The Independent. The media also confirms that Manchester City and Enzo Maresca, with whom he has maintained a good relationship since their collaboration with the Blues, are also on the hunt to recruit him if Rodri were to leave. What is certain is that Chelsea will prefer to sell him to a foreign club rather than to an English rival. Madrid still has its chances.
