Alonso’s transfer warning after Chelsea’s £120m deadline closes empty

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso used the club’s final pre‑season friendly at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to hint that some players could be facing their ‘last’ game, while reminding that the Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains on a £120 million valuation deadline that closed without offers.

Valuation deadline closes empty

Amie Wilson, Sports writer, recorded the story on 16 Aug 2026, noting that Chelsea's deadline for suitors to meet the £120 million price tag for Enzo Fernandez expired with no bids received. The club’s firm stance underscores the high expectations placed on the Argentine after his World Cup break.

The Blues secured a 3‑1 victory over the Spanish side Real Sociedad, with Morgan Rogers scoring once and Joao Pedro adding a brace. Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images captured the celebratory moments at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernandez made his first pre‑season appearance after an extended World Cup break, entering as a second‑half substitute only to be booed by sections of the home crowd. His return highlighted the lingering uncertainty surrounding his future at Chelsea.

After the match, Alonso delivered his verdict to club channels, saying, “It was a very good last preparation game. For some players it was the first one and the last one. It’s normal at this moment for some players.” He added that the squad felt great together and that the test was the last before a week of preparation for Fulham.

Speculation also swirled around young defender Josh Acheampong, with talkSPORT reporting Premier League interest in the 20‑year‑old, and winger Pedro Neto, whose performances have attracted both Premier League and Saudi Arabia interest, according to football.london.

Chelsea’s next fixture is on Monday at Craven Cottage against Fulham, giving the Blues a chance to assess the squad ahead of the new season. The unanswered £120 million valuation and Alonso’s hint suggest that departures may be on the horizon for both established and emerging players, a development that will shape Chelsea’s transfer strategy.