Xabi Alonso confirms Enzo Fernandez transfer stance after talks with wantaway Chelsea star
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has undertaken his first press conference since starting work at Stamford Bridge and has discussed the future of Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Xabi Alonso has been speaking about Alejandro Garnacho at his first Chelsea press conference(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has revealed that he has spoken to midfielder Enzo Fernandez, and wants to keep him at Stamford Bridge. The Argentina international is currently at the World Cup but has seen his future speculated upon throughout the summer.
Alonso started work at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground last week after signing a four-year deal to take charge of the club. The Spaniard had been out of work after being sacked by Real Madrid during last season and now finds Fernandez’s future high on his agenda.
Fernandez spoke of his interest in a move to Real Madrid towards the end of last season. It has emerged that the Blues are willing to part ways with the World Cup winner, providing they are handed £120million for his services.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Los Blancos released a statement distancing themselves from a deal. It seems that will be good news for Alonso, who was tight-lipped on his conversation with Fernandez.
“We have spoken, but that remains private,” Alonso said. Pressed whether he wants him to remain at Chelsea, the Spaniard added: “Yes.”
With Fernandez still in the United States and set to face England in the semi-final of the competition, the former Benfica star is unable to participate in Alonso’s early sessions. Ex-Liverpool ace Alonso has plan for Fernandez and others still on World Cup duty to help them get up to speed for 2026/27.
“It was already a plan. It’s not a big surprise we have some players still there,” he said. “I’m happy for them, because they are having an unforgettable experience.
“At the end, hopefully, we will have one champion, and we will celebrate. We have to be flexible and we’ll have to speed up the preparation with some players.”
The Spaniard also spoke of the qualities he wants to see in any player included in his squad for the coming seaosn. “We need hunger, passion, we need to want to improve,” he said.
“The Premier League is so competitive. We need to prepare ourselves, we need to be determined in the details, how they want to play. But the most important bit is our game.”
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
from £6
Sky
Get the deal here
Shoppers can now upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £6 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
