Mixed cheers and boos: Chelsea’s £120m gamble on Enzo Fernández

Chelsea have placed a £120 million price tag on Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández and set a 5 pm Friday deadline for Manchester City to submit a bid, yet no offers arrived as he made his first pre‑season appearance in Saturday’s 3‑1 win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, where fans greeted him with mixed cheers and boos.

Chelsea’s rationale for keeping Fernández

New head coach Xabi Alonso has taken charge of Chelsea and sees Fernández as a central figure in his plans. Alonso praised the squad after the pre‑season win, calling it a very good preparation. The club’s decision to price Fernández at £120 million reflects their intent to retain him despite transfer speculation.

Fernández, 25, was instrumental in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, scoring the equaliser in the semi‑final against England. He was sent off after two reckless bookings in the final loss to Spain. In May he told Chelsea he wanted to leave, preferring a move to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club announced they would not sign him.

Manchester City showed interest and were given a deadline of 5 pm on Friday to submit a bid. No offer was received before the cutoff, leaving the Argentine in limbo.

What the reaction means for both

Fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear when Fernández entered in the 62nd minute for Reece James. As his name was announced, a chorus of boos rang out, while other supporters cheered and chanted his name. Throughout his time on the pitch, some fans continued to boo every touch.

With the transfer window closing, Chelsea intend to start the Premier League season with Fernández as a key part of the squad. Alonso’s comments suggest the Argentine will feature prominently in the club’s upcoming campaign.

For Fernández, the collapse of a Real Madrid move and the lack of a Manchester City bid mean he will remain at Chelsea for the foreseeable future. The mixed reception from supporters underscores the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.