Something surprising happened at Stamford Bridge when Enzo Fernandez came on for his first game since rumors about a Man City transfer.
Morgan Rogers scored his first Chelsea goal in front of the Stamford Bridge fans as Xabi Alonso’s team finished their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. But most of the attention was on Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez, who took extra time off after the World Cup, came back to Chelsea training earlier this week. There’s a lot of talk about him possibly moving to Manchester City to join his former coach Enzo Maresca.
Even though Chelsea gave City a deadline of 5pm on Friday, August 14, to pay the £120 million price, Fernandez is still part of Alonso’s plans. On Saturday, August 15, he came on as a substitute in the second half. His return got mixed reactions from the crowd.
Some Chelsea fans clapped for him, while others booed. One fan account even said that some supporters started arguing in the stands about how to respond to Fernandez’s return.
One fan wrote on X: “This is wild at Stamford Bridge. Enzo gets booed when he touches the ball, but then some fans start cheering ‘OHHH ENZO FERNANDEZ’. People are even arguing in the stands about what to do.”
Another said: “I think most of the boos come from people upset that he scored and celebrated against England in the World Cup, not just because of the transfer rumors.”
Another added: “I don’t agree with booing, but I get the frustration. Still, once Enzo is on the pitch, the focus should be on Chelsea.”
Someone else said: “This is what happens when a player’s future is so uncertain. Stamford Bridge feels divided. But if Enzo stays, the best thing he can do is win the fans over by performing well, fighting hard, and giving them a reason to cheer his name again.”
Another wrote: “It’s amazing. Fans boo his every touch, but then others respond with chants for Enzo Fernandez. Has a club ever been this split over their own player?”
And one more comment read: “There’s nothing good about booing Enzo at home from our own fans, especially when he’s still wearing Chelsea’s shirt. It’s unfair. We should support him whenever he plays for Chelsea and gives his all. I’m glad some fans stopped the boos.”
Despite all the talk about Fernandez, Rogers made a big impression too. Playing his first game for Chelsea since his £117 million move from Aston Villa, he scored within just ten minutes.
Jon Mikel Aramburu equalized for Real Sociedad just before half-time, but Joao Pedro scored twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 win for Chelsea.
Chelsea will kick off their Premier League season away at Fulham on August 24.