METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES – 2026/07/19: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being sent off by the referee during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final football match between Spain and Argentina. Spain won 1-0 over Argentina after extra time. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez didn’t hesitate in rubbing salt into England’s wounds as Argentina knocked England out of the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder was a thorn in the side of the Three Lions throughout their semi-final encounter and celebrated in front of the England supporters in Miami.
Fernandez was already renowned for being an antagonist. It was only a few months ago that the midfielder was suspended by Chelsea for openly discussing a potential move to another club. Speculation continues to swirl around Fernandez’s future, provoked further by Fernandez now being a villain in the eyes of many English soccer fans.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Sunday May 24, 2026. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Chelsea is rebuilding its squad under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has a clear style of play and the Stamford Bridge outfit is remoulding itself in the image of the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss who has taken on his first Premier League job over the summer.
Signed from Benfica on the back of his performances for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Fernandez is established as a key figure for Chelsea. Nobody played more league minutes for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season than Fernandez who registered 10 goals and four assists.
However, there might not be an obvious role for Fernandez in Alonso’s new-look team, particularly after the statement signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The England international has arrived at Stamford Bridge to be one of Alonso’s dual number 10s alongside Cole Palmer, suggesting Fernandez won’t be used in an advanced role.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 26: Manager Xabi Alonso of Chelsea during training session at the Allianz Stadium on July 26, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Fernandez could be deployed as one half of a midfield double pivot, but his qualities aren’t best utilised in a deeper area of the pitch. Instead, Chelsea appear intent on signing another midfield capable of playing in that position with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott reportedly on the club’s radar this summer.
Real Madrid is reportedly on the verge of landing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig with Vinicius Junior possibly on his way out of the Spanish club. Another position change could see Aurelien Tchouamani leave with Fernandez signed in his place. Real Madrid is also believed to be interested in 2026 World Cup winner Rodri.
The future of one of Argentina’s World Cup finalists could quickly become uncertain even as his quality is clear for all to see. Real Madrid might want Fernandez, but does it want Rodri more? Will the money still be available if Diomande is also coming in the door? Fernandez might have no choice but to prove his worth to Alonso.
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Graham Ruthven