Chelsea have demolished Champions League dream as baffling Enzo Fernandez detail emerges – verdict
Chelsea have now surely thrown away their chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season after their sale of Enzo Fernandez.
The midfielder made a £125million move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day after months of speculation.
Few of the Stamford Bridge faithful would have had any issue with the departure as long as a replacement was brought in.
However, their proposed move to Lamine Camara collapsed at the last minute when Monaco pulled out of the deal.
Now, reports have emerged that Chelsea had a chance to block Fernandez’s departure after the deal for Camara collapsed.
The Blues decided not to go down this path, and it could now cost them a return to the Champions League.
Chelsea turn down option to back out of Enzo Fernandez deal
Talksport has reported that despite Chelsea having the option to back out of the Fernandez deal, they chose to keep their word.
Despite being highly moral, the Blues have now left themselves way too short in midfield.
Until at least January, Chelsea only have five midfielders, with Reece James and Jordan Henderson being included in this list.
If injuries crop up, the West London club could find themselves in a highly precarious situation and see their position in the table decline rapidly.
Therefore, Chelsea’s decision to allow Fernandez to depart despite the club no longer being able to sign Camara could now cost them Champions League qualification this season.
What are Chelsea’s current chances of qualifying for the Champions League?
According to Opta on 2 September, Chelsea have a 37.6 per cent chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season.
This makes them the third most likely club to achieve this feat, with only Arsenal and Man City having a higher percentage in the 2026-27 campaign.
However, with clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all looking to achieve this feat, it will not be a simple task for Xabi Alonso and his squad.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if Chelsea are able to finish in the top four this season, or if they will once again have to sit out of Europe’s most prestigious competition.