Chelsea demand £120m for Enzo Fernandez after midfielder requests transfer

Enzo Fernandez has formally told Chelsea he wants to leave Stamford Bridge, but the club will demand £120 million before sanctioning any departure, making him one of the most expensive midfielders ever sold.

The Argentine has been vocal about his desire to move on throughout the season, a period that included being dropped by former head coach Liam Rosenior. His agent, Javier Pastore, is now actively exploring potential destinations, with Real Madrid the player’s clear preference. Fernandez said in March: “I’d like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires. I’d be more comfortable in Spanish.”

Chelsea paid more than £100 million to sign Fernandez from Benfica following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, meaning their £120 million valuation would represent a profit on that outlay. Despite his transfer request, the club insists he remains part of incoming head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans for next season, and only a bid that meets their full asking price would alter that position.

Fernandez finished runner-up in Chelsea’s player of the season award after contributing 15 goals and seven assists — a return that underlines why the club are in no rush to accept a discounted offer.

Real Madrid, however, are reported to be unwilling to meet Chelsea’s valuation unless their financial situation improves. The Spanish club are also monitoring Manchester City midfielder Rodri, and the priorities of incoming Bernabéu head coach Jose Mourinho — who is set to return for a second spell in charge — may yet shape how aggressively they pursue either target.

Fernandez has formed part of what Chelsea regard as one of the Premier League’s strongest midfield partnerships alongside Moises Caicedo, another signing that cost in excess of £100 million. Yet the club’s substantial investment under current ownership has not translated into a title challenge. Chelsea ended the campaign in tenth place and without a trophy, despite a previous season in which they won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Senior figures at Stamford Bridge acknowledge that further recruitment of Premier League-ready talent will be necessary, adding complexity to any decision over whether to sell a player of Fernandez’s quality — even at a record price.