Chelsea look to fix Enzo Fernandez mistake with €86m signing

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Chelsea are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Frenkie de Jong’s situation at Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

The Netherlands international is currently sidelined with a knee injury he picked up at the World Cup, but it’s understood that he is set to return to team training within the next few weeks after making significant progress in his recovery.

De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax for €86 million in 2019, has just under three years remaining on his current contract at Camp Nou and he was one of several Barca stars linked with an exit over the summer following the signing of Manchester City star Rodri.

The Dutchman has been a key player throughout his time with the Spanish giants, however he now faces strong competition for places and there is no guarantee that he will receive a starting XI spot upon his return from injury amid the recent form of Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez.

As a result, Spanish outlet SPORT claim that Barcelona’s sporting management will be keeping a close eye on De Jong’s situation ahead of the winter transfer window, with the club potentially open to a sale if he fails to work his way into favour under Hansi Flick.

It’s understood that Manchester City lodged an enquiry to sign the 29-year-old over the summer, while Chelsea are now closely monitoring a possible move after sanctioning the sale of Enzo Fernandez on Transfer Deadline Day.

Frenkie de Jong to join Chelsea?

Signing a new central midfielder is regarded as a priority by the Chelsea hierarchy after their failed bids for Manu Kone and Lamine Camara on the final day of the 2026 summer window.

It’s reported that Bournemouth star Alex Scott is currently their top target for the role, although they remain interested in both Kone and Camara, while De Jong has now emerged as an alternative option amid his uncertain long-term future at Barcelona.

The Netherlands star would likely partner Moises Caicedo in Xabi Alonso’s first-choice midfield at Stamford Bridge, and data analytics experts SciSports believe that De Jong would immediately become one of Chelsea’s best players if they are able to finalise a surprise deal with Barcelona.

It remains to be seen how much Barca would charge to sanction a sale, but De Jong’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has tumbled to a mere €38.2m, suggesting that Chelsea could potentially agree a deal for a relatively cheap fee.