Enzo Fernandez Booed by Chelsea FC Fans in Pre-Season Friendly
Chelsea FC midfielder Enzo Fernandez was booed by some fans during his return to Stamford Bridge in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad. The 25-year-old Argentine has been linked with a move away from the club.
What Happened?
Fernandez, who was given an extended break after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina, returned to training with Chelsea this week and was on the bench for Saturday's clash with Sociedad. He came 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.
Why it Matters for Chelsea FC
The uncertainty over Fernandez's future has been a topic of intense speculation, 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.
What Comes Next?
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. 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.
Chelsea FC's Current Form
The Blues 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).
Chelsea FC's League Standing
The Blues are currently 10th in the Premier League, with 52 points from 38 games, and are 33 points behind leaders Arsenal. They have scored 58 goals and conceded 52 this season, with a +6 goal difference.
Injuries and Suspensions
Jordan Henderson is currently sidelined for Chelsea FC.
Image Prompt
A photorealistic image of an anonymous Chelsea FC player, aged 25-30, wearing a blue jersey with a white collar and blue shorts, with a white and blue striped sock, taken with a 85mm f/1.4 lens, shallow depth of field, and floodlight rim light, showing the player's face and eyes clearly, with a slight smile on his face, as he looks down at the ball at his feet, with a blurred background of the Stamford Bridge stadium.
