Chelsea 'looking to get rid' of Enzo Fernandez - 'He's a liability'
Chelsea are likely to offload controversial midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the end of this season.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Argentine will leave Stamford Bridge either this summer or in January.
The 25-year-old has been angling for a move away in recent months, and found himself in the spotlight once again when he was sent off in last weekend's World Cup final.
Wyness believes that the former Benfica man could become a "liability" for Xabi Alonso, and expects him to receive plenty of criticism from fans across the Premier League this term.
Fernandez riled up the England fans after Argentina's semi-final win over the Three Lions, and is not likely to be welcomed with open arms in grounds this season.
The midfielder has cut a hugely controversial figure in recent weeks, and Wyness believes that is not something that Chelsea will be willing to deal with long-term.
Chelsea won't rush Enzo Fernandez sale
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Chelsea won't rush into a "fire sale" of Fernandez, despite their new desire to move him on.
He remains under contract until the summer of 2032, but Wyness is adamant that the club are now looking for a way to get him out the door.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman explained that he doesn't see Fernandez lasting the full season in West London.
"There's no doubt Enzo Fernandez has blotted his copybook, to put it very mildly. He is going to get some real stick from the terraces in every game he plays in the Premier League," he said.
"I'm pretty sure of that, and he deserves it as well. Chelsea know they've got a hothead on their hands. I think they will look to get rid, but they're not going to do it immediately. It won't be a fire sale, but I think he will be gone.
"I would expect to see him not lasting the whole season. I think there will be a move, but Chelsea will look to get maximum value. They'll want to get the full value. But I think he's a liability right now."
How much would Chelsea demand for Fernandez?
Football Insider revealed back in June that it will take an offer of around £120million for Chelsea to sell Fernandez this summer.
The Blues shelled out a then British-record fee of £107m to sign him back in 2023, and would look to recoup all of that money at a minimum.
Manchester City have been linked with a move for the Argentine in recent months, while Real Madrid remain long-term admirers.
Fernandez has become a key player for Chelsea in recent years, but they must now assess whether keeping him would be worth the hassle.