Exclusive: Chelsea can 'easily replace' Enzo Fernandez says club legend

Updated: 25 Jun 2026 10:59 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that Xabi Alonso’s side will be able to "easily replace" Enzo Fernandez if he is sold to Real Madrid before the end of the summer transfer window.

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Fernandez, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu in recent months and it’s understood that Los Blancos are set to intensify their pursuit of his signature over the coming weeks as they continue to back new boss Jose Mourinho.

Current ETV

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€90.4M - €110.5M

The Argentina midfielder is eager to join former Chelsea team-mate Marc Cucurella at Real Madrid and reports indicate that personal terms will not be an issue, with Fernandez ready to leave Stamford Bridge after a three-and-a-half year stint at the club.

The former Benfica star has been an integral player for the Blues ever since his arrival in west London, but Hasselbaink believes that Fernandez can be replaced, despite the fact he registered 22 goal contributions in 54 games across all competitions last season.

Speaking on behalf of 10bet, who offer football betting, Hasselbaink told FootballTransfers: “I think Enzo is easier to replace than Marc Cucurella. Don’t get me wrong, Enzo has done exceptionally well this year in what has been a very difficult season for Chelsea. He’s been very, very good. But I think you can replace a midfielder easier.

“In world football right now, there are so many really good midfielders, and Chelsea is still a very attractive club to play for - it’s still a massive club. So I wouldn’t worry too much about Enzo leaving, really.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very good player. But I think you can easily replace him if you need to.”

Rumours suggest that Chelsea remain interested in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a possible replacement for Fernandez, while the Spanish media have indicated that a swap deal involving Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni could also be on the cards too.

© IMAGO - Real Madrid want to sign Enzo Fernandez

Marc Cucurella hints at Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid deal

The aforementioned Cucurella completed a €55 million move from Chelsea to Real Madrid last week and when asked about the possibility of Fernandez joining him at the Bernabeu, he admitted: “He's a great player and a friend of mine.

“He congratulated me on the signing. I hope it [a transfer] happens. I would be very happy. We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer - I hope he's lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player.”

However, Chelsea are demanding a fee of €140m to sell Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer, and it remains to be seen if Los Blancos are willing to make the Argentina star their most expensive signing of all time.

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