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For fans of Chelsea, the identity of the Argentinian scorer who equalised against England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final came as no surprise.
Of course it was Enzo Fernandez. Him again. Had to be.
Another big goal in another big game. Lionel Messi played the pass inside, but Fernandez was the deliverer of the dagger to English hearts, 1-1 after 85 minutes. Defence pierced. Defeat pending.
The 25-year-old has an extraordinary knack for popping up under pressure. Chelsea’s social media team initially posted a picture of their player’s cupped-ears celebration in Atlanta with an explosion emoji, then they hastily deleted it, remembering who he had just scored against.
But Fernandez is explosive. Love or loathe him, Chelsea’s vice-captain is one of those clutch players. Last season alone, he scored the only goal of the game against Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final, the leveller away at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League’s last 16 before Filip Jorgensen’s implosion, and result-defining strikes in the Premier League versus Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham, Bournemouth and Manchester City.
The season before, his equaliser in the Conference League final against Real Betis kickstarted Chelsea’s comeback to secure BlueCo their first trophy since acquiring the club.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates his late goal against England. Chelsea posted this picture, before quickly deleting it
For followers of Chelsea, the identity of the Argentinian who equalised against England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final came as no surprise
Fernandez, never one to shy away from a big occasion, heads in the winner against Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final back in April
Argentina are appreciating this gift now, finalists again at the World Cup after his stoppage-time winner against Egypt in the last 16, followed by an 85th-minute equaliser which broke through England after Thomas Tuchel tried to build his own ‘Wonderwall’ in front of Jordan Pickford’s goal.
Perhaps Pickford should have done better. The ball did not sail 25 yards into the postage stamp. Still, Fernandez struck it true enough, England were exhausted, and it represented his fifth goal from 85 minutes onward in 2026.
While all the focus is on Sunday’s showdown with Spain, Fernandez is unlikely to escape the headlines even once this FIFA jamboree has finished.
From Fernandez’s side, this World Cup may only have emphasised his thinking that he is above spending a season outside the Champions League, let alone away from Europe entirely, and that his current contract does not suit his status.
Fernandez, via his representative, Javier Pastore, started discussing a new deal more than six months ago, but no agreement over a renewal was reached. Those talks were parked with the intention to revisit them this summer.
From Chelsea’s side, sources say their £120million asking price has been validated by Fernandez’s performances at this World Cup. That is how much the Premier League club insist they want if they are to sell him, and they have not budged on that valuation since it was set nearly two months ago in May.
From Chelsea’s side, sources say their £120million asking price has been validated by Fernandez’s performances at this World Cup
Xabi Alonso has said he would like to keep Fernandez, but Chelsea’s new manager understands that this player has a price
Fernandez is not up for sale per se. It is just that he has his price, as many players do, and his is a hard £120m.
Chelsea sources told Daily Mail Sport in the aftermath of his exploits against England that they have received no approaches from rivals to open talks on their midfielder as of yet. Only once that happens, and the numbers suit them, would they sanction a sale.
Real Madrid had him on their shortlist, then they released their statement, insisting they were not targeting Fernandez, following interviews conducted by Pastore during this World Cup. Jose Mourinho’s club said they had ‘no intention of pursuing such an operation’, and that they ‘categorically deny’ claims they are working on a deal.
It is up to you whether that statement is to be believed. Real have a history of disregarding their own denials, most famously in the signings of David Beckham and Ronaldo.
As for the links to Atletico Madrid emerging abroad, it is worth remembering Chelsea’s asking price when considering whether Diego Simeone’s side are realistic candidates. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, now managed by Enzo Maresca, have also been linked.
Whatever happens, Fernandez will always carry a piece of Chelsea with him. He has the Club World Cup trophy tattooed on the back of his left bicep. If he stays, Chelsea believe there is a clear way back.
Real Madrid had Fernandez on their shortlist for this summer, though have since publicly denied they are targeting him
Sources describe him as a valued and respected member of their squad, and add he is appreciated for how hard he fights on the pitch. Indeed, while Chelsea as a club covered the least distance in the Premier League last season, Fernandez as an individual finished in the top 10 among players, per Opta’s tracking data.
The plan today is for Fernandez to finish the World Cup, have his break, and then rejoin his club-mates after returning from his holidays.
Xabi Alonso told us at his Stamford Bridge unveiling this week that he would like to keep Fernandez, but Chelsea’s new manager understands that this player has a price, and so this will go one of two ways.
By the end of this summer, Chelsea will either have a high-pressure performer or an enormous pile of money. It’s a win-win.
