Fernandez Agrees Real Madrid Move, Chelsea Faces Potential Squad Shake-Up

Star midfielder reportedly gives ‘green light’ to stunning €150m switch

Chelsea’s midfield linchpin, Enzo Fernandez, has reportedly agreed to a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid this summer. Spanish outlet *Fichajes* claims the Argentine has given his consent to a staggering €150 million offer, a deal that could see three current Madrid players offloaded to accommodate the move.

Madrid’s Ambitious Pursuit of Chelsea Star

Fernandez, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for a British record £107 million in January 2023, has become a pivotal figure for the West London club. Despite an initially slow start, he has since established himself as a key player, contributing significantly with nine goals and 17 assists last season. His importance is underscored by his role as vice-captain, often leading the team in the absence of Reece James.

The report from *Fichajes* suggests Fernandez is “seduced” by the prospect of playing under Xabi Alonso and elevating his game. This eagerness to join the Spanish giants reportedly outweighs concerns about damaging his relationship with the Chelsea faithful.

Enzo Fernández’s game by numbers for Chelsea in 2023/24:

⚽️ 9 Goals
🅰️ 17 Assists
🔑 14 Big Chances Created
⚔️ 162 Tackles (most in PL)
⚡️ 100% Dribbles completed

Absolutely vital for Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/lY1m9x4n6O

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 7, 2024

Potential Player Sales to Fund Fernandez Deal

Real Madrid’s reported €150 million valuation for Fernandez would shatter their previous transfer records, surpassing the figures paid for Jude Bellingham (€133 million) and Eden Hazard (€100 million initial fee) from Chelsea. To facilitate this ambitious acquisition, *Fichajes* indicates that Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fran Garcia are all considered expendable.

The potential sale of Rodrygo would be the most significant departure among the trio, with the Brazilian forward reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal. Alonso is understood to have prioritized the signing of a new midfielder to enhance his team’s control in games, with Fernandez emerging as the prime candidate.

Chelsea’s Stance and Past Transfers to Madrid

Sources previously indicated to TEAMtalk in May that Chelsea might be open to offers for the 24-year-old if the financial terms were sufficiently attractive. Only Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are considered non-transferable assets within the current squad. Real Madrid has also identified Fernandez as one of five potential ‘Galacticos’ for their future plans.

Chelsea has a history of losing key players to Real Madrid, notably with Eden Hazard, whose time at the Bernabéu was hampered by injuries, and Thibaut Courtois, whose acrimonious departure left a bitter taste for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

The report also notes that Chelsea is looking to strengthen their squad by offering a trio of players to Aston Villa in pursuit of Morgan Rogers. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s reaction to Marcus Rashford‘s move to Barcelona has also been a talking point.