Can Chelsea Hold on to Enzo Fernandez After Another Tumultuous Season? | OneFootball

Enzo Fernandez has been the standout for Chelsea in a season that has fallen way below expectations for all at Stamford Bridge. The 2025/26 season was only the second time that the midfielder had achieved double figures for goals in his career. His form has largely softened the disappointment caused by the diminishing returns of Cole Palmer amidst his injury issues.

Even though Chelsea is missing out on Champions League football, Fernandez will perhaps see a future away from West London. He is now 25 and has won just the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup while with Chelsea. That is despite this being his third full season with the club, and trophies do not appear to be any closer.

Now that the Argentinian has established himself as a key player and top performer in the Premier League, elite clubs across Europe will be keen to add him to their squads. Once derided as an expensive workhorse, the creative quality and midfield engine that he adds to his side is something that almost all clubs could do with. With that said, will the 25-year-old leave, or could Chelsea convince him to stay another year?

A World Cup Winner With a Desire to Add More Medals

In Enzo’s first year with the Argentina national team, he would go on to be part of the squad that was crowned world champions. That was in 2022, and this summer represents another opportunity to add to his international medal collection. His side is fifth in the betting for the World Cup this year, but at the top of his form, he will feel he can drive his nation to glory.

With Lautaro Martinez firing in the goals in Serie A for Inter and Lionel Messi still refusing to be underestimated, a team with the drive of Fernandez underpinning the midfield could be a fierce competitor. Having someone who can cover every blade of grass is invaluable in international tournament football, and that is exactly what he offers.

If Argentina were to go back-to-back in North America, it seems unlikely that the midfielder would remain at Stamford Bridge. His stock would be at its highest since his £106.8 million move to England. With Manchester City reported to be eyeing up his services, it would not be a surprise to see Pep Guardiola - or a future coach - make a big-money move on the back of an impressive season.

What Would it Take for Enzo to Remain at Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea, in its current form, is a basket case of a football club. When Liam Rosenior was brought in to replace Enzo Maresca, many scoffed at the idea that the former Hull man was the right choice. They were ultimately proved right, despite some early promise. Rosenior was out of his depth and was brought in as BlueCo’s man, making a lateral move from one of their other clubs in Strasbourg.

Given that Maresca won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup, it is even more baffling now that he, too, has been relieved of his duties. For Enzo Fernandez, that will not offer him any assurances that this is the right club to progress his career and begin winning major honours. With no disrespect to either of the trophies he has won with Chelsea, they are hardly the pinnacle of European football.

The club would have to bring in a manager or head coach who is a proven winner, with a pedigree for winning the top competitions. After experimenting with a couple of fairly unproven names, it is time for Chelsea to return to employing tried-and-tested options. Perhaps then, the Argentinian would be able to see a potential future of him winning the big titles with the Blues.

At the moment, it seems likely that the midfielder will be leaving West London. A year without trophies is bad enough, but a season without top European competition in 2026/27 will surely be the icing on the cake. Where he will end up will be anyone’s guess, as it looks like a saga that could drag on throughout the summer.