What next for Enzo Fernandez? Chelsea’s World Cup villain finds himself in transfer limbo after failed Real Madrid flirtations

However, those overtures did not yield the response that Fernandez and Pastore would have been hoping for. Rather than formalise their reported interest, Madrid felt compelled to release a statement denying that interest and insisting the club had “no intention” of pursuing a deal for the player. Los Blancos have, after all, already added free agent Bernardo Silva to Jose Mourinho’s midfield options this summer.

“In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation,” it read.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship. Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid’s actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.”

Asked again about his stance on his future after scoring a late winner Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt, Fernandez responded: “I’m not thinking about my future right now. I’m here living this incredible moment for me, and we’ll see what happens after the World Cup.”