Boos greet Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea face Real Sociedad amid Manchester City rumours

Enzo Fernandez was met with boos from some Chelsea supporters as he returned to action at Stamford Bridge in the club’s final pre‑season friendly against Real Sociedad, a match that comes amid heavy speculation linking the 25‑year‑old Argentine midfielder with a possible move to Manchester City.

The 25‑year‑old midfielder had an extended break after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina, a match in which he was sent off as Spain beat the South Americans in extra time. He returned to training with Chelsea this week and was named on the bench for Saturday’s clash.

Fernandez entered the game after 62 minutes, replacing the Blues’ new big‑money signing Morgan Rogers. As his name was announced over the tannoy, a mixture of boos and cheers echoed around Stamford Bridge, and a few early‑arriving fans also booed when the name was read out.

Speculation and deadline

Chelsea set a 5 pm deadline on the Friday that passed for clubs to meet their £120 million valuation for the player. Manchester City, now coached by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, are keen on signing Fernandez but did not submit a bid before that deadline.

The club now expects the Argentine to remain at Chelsea until next summer, although the deadline held no official relevance, meaning City or another suitor could still sign him before the transfer window closes if all parties agree.

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Chelsea won the Real Sociedad friendly 3‑1, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring after 11 minutes and Joao Pedro adding two second‑half goals. Club captain Reece James was substituted off as Fernandez came on, and the Argentine wore the armband for the remainder of the game despite the polarised reaction.

Xabi Alonso’s side will next be in action when the Premier League opener sees them face west London rivals Fulham on Monday evening, 24 August.