Muhammad Awwal AbubakarEnzo Fernandez, the Argentine midfielder who made a high-profile €121 million move to Chelsea from Benfica in 2023, has recently become a topic of concern in English football.
His future at Stamford Bridge is under growing scrutiny after coach Enzo Maresca left him out of the squad for Chelsea’s last three league matches.
This decision has sparked significant debate, especially given Fernandez’s impressive potential when he first arrived in the Premier League.
However, his performances have been inconsistent, and it seems that Maresca’s tactical approach is not aligning with the midfielder’s style of play.
Enzo Fernandez’s Struggles at Chelsea
When Enzo Fernandez was signed by Chelsea for a record fee, much was expected of him. The young Argentine was hailed as a future star, with his ability to control the midfield, distribute the ball, and contribute both defensively and offensively.
Yet, since his arrival, Fernandez has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the standout players at Benfica and a key member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad.
Despite flashes of brilliance, his performances at Chelsea have been underwhelming, leading to questions about his fit within the team.
Maresca’s decision to drop Fernandez for Chelsea’s recent fixtures has fueled speculation about his future. While some have pointed to the young midfielder’s struggles to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, others suggest that Fernandez has yet to fully integrate into the tactical plans of the club.
Fernandez’s frustration with his lack of playing time is clear, and reports from England indicate that he may be looking for a way out.
This has opened the door for potential suitors, with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
Barcelona’s Interest in Enzo Fernandez
According to reports in English media, as relayed by SPORT, Barcelona is one of the clubs monitoring Fernandez’s situation at Chelsea.
The Catalan club, despite their financial difficulties, is always on the lookout for quality players who can strengthen their squad, and Fernandez has emerged as a potential target.
Barcelona’s interest in the midfielder, however, is complicated by several factors, including their current squad composition and financial constraints.
One of the key reasons Barcelona is eyeing Fernandez is the possible departure of Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona has long struggled with financial issues, and the sale of De Jong, who is a highly valued asset, could help fund new acquisitions.
If Barcelona were to sell De Jong, they may turn to Fernandez as a replacement, given the similarities between the two players’ styles. Both De Jong and Fernandez operate in central midfield, with the ability to drive forward, control possession, and make key passes.
Fernandez’s Value and Potential Transfer
At present, Fernandez is valued at around €75 million, a significant sum, though far less than the €121 million Chelsea paid to sign him.
Despite his difficulties at Chelsea, Fernandez’s quality has not gone unnoticed, and Barcelona could see him as a bargain if they manage to offload De Jong.
However, any move for Fernandez would depend on multiple factors. Barcelona’s current financial situation remains precarious, and the club would need to balance any potential purchase with their ongoing need to reduce their wage bill and meet La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.
Barcelona’s interest is also influenced by the form of their current midfield options. Youngsters Marc Casado and Marc Bernal have shown promise in recent matches, and Barcelona is evaluating whether they can fill the role Fernandez would take on.
Casado, in particular, has impressed with his maturity and technical ability, and there are doubts about whether Barcelona will need to sign a new midfielder if these players continue to develop.
The Bigger Picture: Fernandez’s Long-Term Future
Fernandez’s situation at Chelsea raises important questions about his future in the Premier League. While Chelsea has a long-term vision for their midfield, with a host of young players like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia coming in, it remains to be seen whether Fernandez will fit into that future.
Maresca, for his part, has defended his decision to bench Fernandez, explaining that the physical attributes of players like Caicedo and Lavia offer more balance in midfield.
The coach has also alluded to Fernandez’s personal issues, including his recent separation from his partner, as factors that may be affecting his form and mentality on the pitch.
Despite these challenges, Fernandez remains a highly talented player with enormous potential, and clubs like Barcelona are unlikely to give up on him easily.
If he is unable to regain his place in the Chelsea starting XI, a move away from Stamford Bridge may be in the cards. Whether that move will be to Barcelona or another club remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Enzo Fernandez’s journey in the Premier League is far from over, and the next chapter of his career could unfold in unexpected ways.
Muhammad Awwal Abubakar
