Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has dismissed Real Madrid transfer rumours, stating his future will be determined after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking after joining Argentina's squad for friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, he expressed uncertainty about staying at Stamford Bridge next season. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior affirmed Fernandez's commitment to the club.
Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a then-British record £107 million in January 2023, addressed speculation linking him to Real Madrid upon reporting for Argentina duty. 'Honestly, nothing – zero talks. Right now, we’re focused on Chelsea, on the remaining matches, and we’ll see after the World Cup,' he told Ole. The 25-year-old played in Chelsea's recent 3-0 defeat at Everton, marking their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions under manager Liam Rosenior, who has won six of his first seven games but lost seven of 13 since. Rosenior described a positive conversation with Fernandez, saying, 'He made it really clear how happy he is and how passionate he is for us to be successful,' adding that the midfielder is 'fully committed to this group and to winning here.' Chelsea sit a point behind Liverpool for fifth place in the Premier League, a position likely to secure Champions League qualification, with seven games left including matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool on May 9. Fernandez also reflected on Lionel Messi, now 38 and hinting the 2026 World Cup may be his last with Argentina: 'We always try to enjoy every moment we have with Leo with the national team.' The friendlies replace a cancelled Finalissima against Spain due to Middle East conflict, with Mauritania facing Argentina at Buenos Aires's La Bombonera on Friday and Zambia four days later. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister called the Finalissima's cancellation a 'shame' as it 'was going to be a great match.' Fernandez expressed joy at returning home: 'I really missed being here.'
