If Enzo Fernández asks to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid, what might Chelsea do? First, let’s look at the facts and then consider Chelsea’s decision-making steps.
The Facts: Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea
1. Chelsea signed Enzo Fernández in January 2023 for a British-record fee of about £106.8 million.
2. He has a long contract at Chelsea running until 2032.
3. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Enzo Fernández. Their incoming manager (Xabi Alonso) is said to want a midfield upgrade.
4. Chelsea have publicly stated they have no intention of selling him, and they consider him a key part of their long-term project. Enzo’s performances has guaranteed his starting spot in the team.
5. Some sources say that if Chelsea were to sell, the fee would have to exceed what they paid. Chelsea would want to do clever business to let Enzo Fernandez move away.
6. Enzo Fernández himself has spoken positively about Chelsea, while also saying he “really likes the Spanish league”.
Given these facts, here are the possible responses Chelsea might make if Fernández were to ask for a transfer.
Chelsea’s likely responses
1. Decline to sell outright.
Chelsea’s most probable immediate reaction would be to refuse the transfer request. They regard Fernández as critical to their plans. With his contract running until 2032, they hold a strong position. The public statements confirm they are “not for sale”.
2. Set an extremely high asking price.
Even if they considered selling, Chelsea would demand a large fee—likely more than they paid (£106.8 m) and perhaps even higher considering his improvement and contract length.
3. Require Fernández to “push” for exit.
Chelsea appear unlikely to initiate a sale unless the player becomes unhappy or insists on leaving. So if Fernández quietly asks, they may hold firm. If he makes his desire explicit and public, Chelsea might start considering. But as of now they show no signs of being open.
4. Use the request to negotiate.
Real Madrid or any other club may who wants to bolster their midfield may bid for Fernandez. If such situation comes, Chelsea would exploit to improve the terms for Enzo. The Blues would demand a humongous fee, can opt for player exchange or can ask for add on. Enzo Fernandez will become a bargaining tool for the London club.
5. Reinforce their internal message.
Chelsea may reinforce the idea that Fernández is part of their core. The club and coach may emphasise his role, reward him with captaincy or talks of future leadership, to discourage departure. This helps calm the squad and the fan-base.
For example, coach Enzo Maresca said: “Yes [he is staying]. Enzo is a main player for us. He is one of the leaders.”
If the request becomes formal
If Fernández formally asks for the move, Chelsea’s strategy may escalate:
They could immediately communicate to Real Madrid and the media that he is not for sale.
They could list a “do not negotiate below” fee—for example £120 m+ or equivalent in euros.
They might demand that Real Madrid show a replacement plan or pay more to compensate the club’s plans.
They might seek to tie Fernández to the club even more strongly: maybe offer contract extensions, raise wages, to signal commitment and deter Real Madrid.
If the player begins to sit out or forces the move, Chelsea may reluctantly sell—but only on their terms.
Author’s Insight
At present, Chelsea’s position is firm: they do not want to lose Enzo Fernández. If he asked to join Real Madrid, Chelsea would likely say “no” or treat any sale as highly conditional. Only under rare circumstances (very high offer, player insistent, or club strategy change) would they consider a move—and even then it would be on their terms.
Of course, football transfers can always surprise us. But given the long contract, high investment and the player’s importance, Chelsea’s natural path is retain rather than release.
