Chelsea Sets £120M Fee, Deadline for Fernández

Chelsea's £120M fee and deadline make Fernández transfer unlikely amid minimal interest

[Sports Chosun Kim Seong-won Reporter] Chelsea's 'mad gamble'.

Chelsea has set the transfer fee for Enzo Fernández at a staggering 120 million pounds (approximately 230 billion Korean won). They have also declared a head-on breakthrough by setting a deadline.

The UK's 'BBC' reported on the 13th (all times Korean Time) that 'Chelsea has set a deadline for clubs interested in signing midfielder Enzo Fernández to submit offers of at least 120 million pounds by 5 p.m. on Friday (14th) UK time.'

Chelsea signed the Argentine-born Fernández in January 2023 for 107 million pounds (approximately 205 billion Korean won). Fernández then broke the record for the highest transfer fee in English Premier League (EPL) history. The contract duration was 8 years and 6 months, until June 2031.

However, his presence has been underwhelming compared to his price tag. Fernández failed to score in his first 'half-season'. Last season, he made a comeback. He played 54 matches across all competitions, including the EPL, recording 15 goals and 7 assists. However, Chelsea finished 10th and bowed their heads.

Fernández, born in 2001, first mentioned the possibility of a transfer to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in March. His agent publicly stated that Fernández is receiving an underpaid salary relative to his transfer fee and wants to leave the team.

However, a 120 million pound transfer fee is excessively high. Real Madrid has already stated they have no intention of signing Fernández.

The only club currently showing interest is Man City, managed by Enzo Maresca. Maresca previously managed Chelsea last season but was dismissed in disgrace.

The 'BBC' reported, 'It is uncertain whether Man City is willing to meet Fernández's transfer fee. Man City is known to be interested in signing Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouadi from Lille.'

Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, has discussed Fernández's future with him. However, he refused to disclose the content of the conversation.

Chelsea is known to have clearly stated its intention to fully integrate Fernández back into the team and continue utilizing him as a key player. Fernández, who participated in the 2026 North America World Cup, returned to Chelsea's training under Alonso's system for the first time this week.

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Orijinal haber: https://www.chosun.com/english/sports-en/2026/08/13/JPFPIHWVWBDFDNOF5FQ3CFQF4Y/