Chelsea step up pursuit of Enzo Fernandez replacement

Cameron Smith

9 Apr 2026 08:01 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.

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The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the Spaniard last year and they are now ready to accelerate their pursuit of his signature amid the uncertain future of vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez is unsatisfied with the progress that has been made since his arrival at Stamford Bridge and he has been sanctioned by the club after dropping several hints regarding a potential move to Real Madrid while on international duty with Argentina last month.

Reports indicate that he is even preparing to hand in a transfer request in a bid to force Chelsea’s hand, with Liam Rosenior’s side currently set to demand a fee of at least €150 million to sanction a sale this summer.

Fernandez has been an integral player for the Blues since his move from Benfica in January 2023, but the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have begun planning for a potential departure ahead of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco, as per multiple reports, while Spanish publication Fichajes now claim that Casado has re-emerged as a summer target for the west London giants.

Verdict: Marc Casado to join Chelsea?

Casado was reluctant to leave Barcelona last summer, but it’s reported that he is now open to a Camp Nou departure after struggling for consistent game time under Hansi Flick so far this season.

The 22-year-old has only started 14 matches across all competitions this term, despite being fully fit all season, while he has already been an unused substitute on 20 occasions.

As a result, Casado is reportedly exploring his options ahead of this summer, which has alerted Chelsea amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

The Blues believe that Casado would be an excellent addition to Rosenior’s squad and it’s claimed that a bargain fee of just €26 million could be enough to finalise a deal as Barcelona look to raise money to fund a transfer for Julian Alvarez.

Due to competition from Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, Reece James and Barco, Casado is unlikely to become a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge, but the Chelsea hierarchy are still reportedly keen to agree a deal.

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