{"id":17821,"date":"2026-07-16T03:25:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T03:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17821"},"modified":"2026-07-16T03:25:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T03:25:09","slug":"xabi-alonso-breaks-silence-on-enzo-fernandez-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17821","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Enzo Fernandez future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-main\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-header--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-excerpt left\"><\/p>\n<p>Xabi Alonso confirms he wants Enzo Fernandez to stay despite Real Madrid transfer talk.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"post-feat-img\" class=\"left relative\" itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-126.webp\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Chelsea\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-126.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-126-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-126-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-126.webp\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1200\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"675\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--post-feat-img--><\/p>\n<section class=\"social-sharing-top\">\n<p><span class=\"fb-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-facebook-f\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"window.open('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Enzo Fernandez future -&amp;url=https:\/\/sixsports.in\/xabi-alonso-breaks-silence-on-enzo-fernandez-future\/', 'twitterShare', 'width=626,height=436'); return false;\" title=\"Share This Post\"><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"twitter-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"whatsapp-but1\"><i class=\"fa fa-whatsapp fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"pinterest-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-pinterest-p\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"email-but\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Email<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><!--social-sharing-top--><\/p>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-card\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-top\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-logo\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/chelsea_fc_logo-1.avif\" alt=\"CHELSEA\"\/>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-description\">\n<p>            Chelsea is one of England\u2019s premier football clubs, competing in the Premier League and European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League. Known for its strong squad, tactical versatility, and competitive history, Chelsea has won multiple league titles, domestic cups,\u2026            <a class=\"sx-entity-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/team\/chelsea\/\"><br \/>\n                Read More about CHELSEA\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on one of the biggest Chelsea stories in the news this summer. The new boss says he wants to keep Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge, despite strong exit talk around the Argentine midfielder, who has been linked with a move away.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-xabi-alonso-opens-up-on-enzo-fernandez-talks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Xabi Alonso Opens Up On Enzo Fernandez Talks<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-xabi-alonso-opens-up-on-enzo-fernandez-talks\">Xabi Alonso met the press for the first time as Chelsea\u2019s new head coach on Monday. The <strong>Blues<\/strong> boss gave a clear answer when asked if he wants to keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> BBC Sport, Real Madrid ruled out a move for the Argentine last week. That leaves him with no clear next step, while a transfer figure close to \u00a3120m remains attached to any exit talk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>\u201cWe have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private,\u201d<\/em><\/strong>  the head coach said. He then said:  <strong><em>\u201cyes\u201d<\/em><\/strong>  when asked if he wants the 25-year-old to stay. It was a short reply, but a clear one. Even after months of talk, the west London club\u2019s new boss is not ready to let one of his best players go easily.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-xabi-alonso-opens-up-on-enzo-fernandez-talks\">Fernandez has said little in public. He has been busy with Argentina\u2019s World Cup run, where he now gets set to face England in the semi-final. Still, those close to him say he stays open to a move elsewhere. So far, no club has come forward with a firm offer since Real Madrid said no.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Xabi Alonso\u2019s managerial stats<\/strong>as per FOTMOB:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Clubs<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Matches<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Won<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Draw<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Lost<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Real Madrid<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>34<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Bayer Leverkusen<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>140<\/td>\n<td>89<\/td>\n<td>32<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-xabi-alonso-provides-clarity-on-jackson-and-garnacho\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Xabi Alonso Provides Clarity On Jackson And Garnacho<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attention also turned to Chelsea\u2019s other unsettled players beyond Fernandez. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> Sports Illustrated, Bayern Munich chose not to make his loan deal permanent. Nicolas Jackson will now travel when the squad departs for pre-season matches in Australia and Asia. It gives the striker a chance to state his case in west London.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alejandro Garnacho\u2019s situation looks very different. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> Sports Mole, talks over a permanent exit for the winger continue, and he has not featured in first-team sessions. Roma have shown strong interest. Both sides seem to agree a transfer would suit them best.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These moves show a coach ready to make firm calls early on. Rather than keep every option open, he is building a squad around players he trusts. Still, he leaves room for those who might earn another opportunity once the <strong>football<\/strong> season gets underway.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-768x432.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-115-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-comes-next-for-chelsea-this-season\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Comes Next For Chelsea This Season<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus also turned to Chelsea\u2019s wider prospects at Stamford Bridge. A costly final-day loss to Sunderland cost Chelsea a place in European football last season. Xabi Alonso knows a top-flight return to Europe remains a key goal under the new owners. Meanwhile, supporters are eager for Champions League nights to return.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>\u201cFor sure, that\u2019s a goal,\u201d<\/em><\/strong>  Xabi Alonso said, before adding that reaching Europe rests on getting the small details right. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> BBC Sport, Manchester United completed a deal for midfielder Andrey Santos barely 60 minutes ahead of the press event. It was a small sign of fast change at the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early signs point to a boss who does not shy away from difficult questions. He seems set on building his squad around clear ideas, not just big names. Fans will hope these firm answers bring steadier form once the new <strong>Premier League<\/strong> season starts in August. For now, calm and clear talk marks a steady start under the Spaniard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More: <em>Alejandro Garnacho misses Chelsea training amid exit talks<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read: <em>Jonathan Rowe emerges in Chelsea\u2019s surprise transfer plans<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read Next: <em>Maxence Lacroix deal awaits Crystal Palace move<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"after-article-links\" style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:14px;\">Follow the latest updates from <strong>Premier League<\/strong>, <strong>The League<\/strong> and<br \/>\n        <strong>Champions League<\/strong>or explore more<br \/>\n        <strong>Football<\/strong> stories, <strong>Football Teams<\/strong> &#038; <strong>All Football Competitions<\/strong> . Follow more updates on CHELSEA. You can also check <strong>Latest Sports News<\/strong> or visit <strong>Six Sports<\/strong> for more Football updates.<\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-box\">\n<div class=\"fe-author-avatar\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\"\/>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mvp-org-wrap\" itemprop=\"publisher\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Organization\">\n<div class=\"mvp-org-logo\" itemprop=\"logo\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png.webp\" class=\"ewww_webp_lazy_load\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-logo--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Six Sports\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-wrap--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--posts-nav-link--><\/p>\n<div class=\"mentioned-article-block\">\n<h3 class=\"mentioned-title\">Mentioned in this Article<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-button--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xabi Alonso confirms he wants Enzo Fernandez to stay despite Real Madrid transfer talk. 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