Headline: Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez Faces Mixed Reaction in Pre-Season Return
Enzo Fernandez experienced a mixed reception from Chelsea fans during his first appearance of the summer in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old midfielder, who had an extended break after participating in the World Cup final with Argentina, came on as a substitute after 62 minutes for Chelsea’s new signing Morgan Rogers.
As Fernandez entered the pitch, a noticeable wave of boos echoed around the stadium, although some cheers emerged amidst the negativity. His name drew a chorus of mixed reactions as it was announced over the tannoy during the warm-up phase prior to kick-off.
There has been significant speculation surrounding Fernandez’s future, particularly following Chelsea’s recent deadline for clubs to meet their £120 million asking price. Manchester City, now under the management of former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, reportedly showed interest in signing Fernandez but failed to submit a bid before the deadline.
Despite the buzzing transfer talks, Chelsea anticipates that the player will remain with the club until at least next summer. However, the deadline set by the club holds no official consequence, meaning Fernandez could still transfer before the end of the transfer window if an agreement is reached with another club.
The uncertainty regarding his position may have contributed to the fans’ reception, alongside his controversial actions during the World Cup where he scored Argentina’s equalizer against England and celebrated by cupping his ears in front of supporters.
As the game progressed, Fernandez donned the captain’s armband after club captain Reece James was substituted, leading the team amidst the divided crowd response. Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad, with Rogers netting the opener in the first half and Joao Pedro adding two goals in the second.
Chelsea will next compete in their Premier League opener against west London rivals Fulham on Monday evening, August 24.
Enzo Fernandez was booed by some Chelsea fans as he returned to club action for the first time this summer in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old midfielder was given 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.
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He returned to training with Chelsea this week and was on the bench for Saturday afternoon’s clash with Sociedad, coming on after 62 minutes for the Blues’ new big-money signing Morgan Rogers.
As Fernandez was announced to be entering the fray, there were clear boos around Stamford Bridge, although they were tempered by some cheers as well. His name being read out over the tannoy ahead of Chelsea’s players emerging for the pre-match warm-up also received a smattering of boos from the handful of fans who had taken their seats early.
There has been intense speculation over the Argentine’s future, with Chelsea setting a deadline of 5pm on the Friday just gone for clubs to meet their £120m valuation for the player. Manchester City, now coached by ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, are keen on signing Fernandez but didn’t submit a bid ahead of that Friday deadline.
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Chelsea now expect the player to remain at the club until next summer, although their deadline had no official relevance, meaning Fernandez could still be signed before the end of the transfer window by City – or another club – should all parties agree.
Enzo Fernandez was booed as he came on in Chelsea’s friendly (Getty)
Fernandez pulled on the captain’s armband despite the mixed reaction (Getty)
It is unclear whether the uncertainty over Fernandez’s future or his antics at the World Cup – where he also scored Argentina’s equaliser against England in the semi-final and celebrated by cupping his ears in front of the supporters – was the catalyst behind the booing.
Club captain Reece James was substituted off at the same time Fernandez came on, so the Argentine pulled on the armband for the remainder of the game despite the polarised reaction to his presence
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Chelsea won the Real Sociedad friendly 3-1, with Rogers opening the scoring after just 11 minutes and Joao Pedro then scoring twice in the second half.
Xabi Alonso’s side will next be in action when the games become real, with their Premier League opener seeing them face west London rivals Fulham next Monday evening (24 August).
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