Why Enzo Fernandez is going NOWHERE despite Chelsea racism scandal

Suraj Radia

17 Jul 2024 17:30 BST
3 min read

Enzo Fernandez was the most expensive player in English football history just 18 months ago but the Chelsea star could be facing an uncertain future after being drawn into a racism scandal.

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Fernandez posted a video to social media with him celebrating Argentina’s Copa America success by chanting songs with his international colleagues on the team bus.

However, one of the songs Fernandez was recorded singing contained racial references to the players of African descent in France’s team, as well as a transphobic insult.

The situation has led to some of Chelsea’s players condemning the incident and a number of Fernandez’s club teammates unfollowing him on social media.

While Chelsea and FIFA are investigating the situation, and Fernandez has apologised, the 23-year-old will face an uphill task in regaining the trust of his teammates and club.

With Chelsea having at least seven French players of African descent, any long-term issues could lead to Fernandez being moved on, although that option may be easier said than done for the Blues.

© IMAGO - Wesley Fofana was among the players who criticised Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea stuck with Enzo despite controversy

Fernandez still has a staggering eight years remaining on the nine-year contract he signed after his record €121 million transfer from Benfica in January last year.

The midfielder has yet to consistently display his best form for his new side and, perhaps curiously, Chelsea had their strongest run of the season after Fernandez was injured in April.

STATS

Enzo Fernández

DM, M (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

DM, M (C)

Chelsea

40

Games
7

Goals
3

Assists

Fernandez has not proven his worth on the pitch and has now created a significant issue off it, however Chelsea appear to have their hands tied due to the Argentine’s long-term contract and his book value to the club’s finances.

With potentially more than €100m still to cover of Fernandez’s transfer, it would be incredibly unlikely for him to be sold anytime soon, assuming the player is even willing to break the security of his long-term contract.

There is also the question of whether this incident damages Fernandez’s reputation to the point where teams opt against pursuing him due to the negative PR it may cause, particularly if he is also handed a lengthy ban by FIFA.

At the moment there is no notion that Chelsea are considering his future but the issue could become even more difficult if relationships continue to strain with Fernandez and his teammates.

Ultimately, new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces the unenviable task of cooling tensions in his squad before even managing a game, or risk having a cloud of hostility hanging over his debut campaign in charge.