Chelsea released footage of Enzo Fernandez in training, just hours after the deadline passed for a £120million transfer. The Blues had set a 5pm BST deadline on Friday, August 14 for any bids for the Argentina international, as reported by Standard Sport.
No bid from Manchester City
Despite Manchester City holding an interest in the 25-year-old, no bid was submitted before the cut-off point. Fernandez is therefore set to stay at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea will not sanction a sale until summer 2027 at the earliest. It remains unclear whether the Blues would soften their stance if lower bids were made or offers lodged after the deadline.
Training footage released
Just over two hours after the 5pm deadline, Chelsea released footage of Fernandez in training, playing a game of two-touch alongside Valentin Barco and Estevao. Fernandez has been back at Cobham this week after a mandatory three-week holiday, following Argentina's run to another World Cup final earlier in the summer.
The midfielder was sent off for two yellow cards as Argentina were beaten by Spain after extra-time on July 19, though he immediately apologised to supporters for his actions. Refreshed after the extended break, Fernandez could feature in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon.
Manager's plans
New manager Xabi Alonso is expected to give his returning World Cup stars, including summer signings Morgan Rogers, Barco, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix, some minutes at Stamford Bridge. Alonso may provide a further update on Fernandez's future after the game, though it appears he can plan for the season with the Argentine as a key member of his first-team squad.
