Have Chelsea already signed their Enzo Fernandez replacement?

Analysis

Tom Weber | Writer

Chelsea failed to sign a replacement after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, but a forgotten man seems to be developing into a possible successor.

The transfer saga surrounding the Argentine overshadowed much of Chelsea's summer transfer window, and the situation was only resolved in the final hours of Deadline Day after Man City agreed to shell out a Premier League record-equalling €145 million.

The Blues thought they had Lamine Camara lined up as a replacement after agreeing a cut-price €55m deal with a Monaco side in desperate need of cash, but the Ligue 1 outfit pulled the plug on the transfer at the last minute on the assumption that Folarin Balogun would be sold.

Things, of course, didn't pan out that way, leaving all parties frustrated. Since then, Chelsea have been linked with various midfielders who could be signed in 2027, although they are not necessarily looking for a like-for-like Fernandez replacement.

The Argentine, who thrived in a more advanced midfield role under Enzo Maresca, wasn't an obvious fit in Xabi Alonso's system, so it is only sensible that Chelsea would pursue different profiles.

Could Essugo replace Fernandez?

A player capable of featuring in multiple midfield roles could be an ideal solution, and Chelsea may already have one on their books. Could forgotten man Dario Essugo still have a future at Stamford Bridge?

Eyebrows were raised when the Blues decided to loan the 21-year-old to sister club Strasbourg despite the sale of Fernandez and the lack of midfield options at Alonso's disposal.

In hindsight, it may have been an inspired decision because their BlueCo affiliate is trying to turn the Portugal youth international into a more well-rounded player. Essugo has primarily played as a holding midfielder and even as a centre-back throughout his career.

However, Strasbourg boss Hugo Oliveira seems to have a different plan for him. He believes that Essugo could thrive in a more advanced role and has used him as a box-crashing No.8.

After three substitute appearances, the youngster made his starting debut for the Alsatians at the weekend, and although Strasbourg lost to Nice, he bagged his first goal for the club. Speaking to GFFN after the match, Essugo suggested that this new role suits him well.

"He [Oliveira] wants me to be myself," the 21-year-old said. "He wants me to play as more of a No.8, and that’s good for me because I can get in the box more. It’s a new thing for me, but I can drive the ball more and help the team in defence."

In light of this, Essugo is likely to return to Chelsea a better, more complete footballer. Depending on what happens in the transfer market, his versatility may even give him a second lease on life in West London.

Coaches love players who can plug gaps in various roles and positions. Essugo may not be the first name on the teamsheet, or have the quality of a Fernandez-type player, but he could be a useful rotational option for Chelsea if he keeps developing.

The whole point of Chelsea's transfer model is to sign young players before their value explodes and then either nurture them into first-teamers or sell them for a profit.

If Strasbourg succeed in getting Essugo ready for Chelsea, it could save the Premier League club from having to spend €70m+ on a big name like Camara or Manu Kone.

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