Enzo Fernandez is expected to miss Chelsea's match against Brighton, as the midfielder remains reportedly affected by his potential Manchester City move. Enzo Fernandez is expected to be left out of Chelsea’s squad once again for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brighton, according to Fabrizio Romano. The expectation comes as the Argentine midfielder’s proposed move to Manchester City continues to dominate the conversation around his future at Stamford Bridge. “There is an expectation that Enzo Fernandez does not play this Sunday again for Chelsea,” Romano reported. “Enzo is really affected by the transfer story with City“. The report adds that Fernandez has given his green light to the move and would like to leave, further complicating his standing within Xabi Alonso’s squad just days after being held out of the Carabao Cup win over Luton Town. Fernandez reportedly has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms, though the deal ultimately hinges on the two clubs reaching an agreement, with no club-to-club talks confirmed as of yet. Chelsea had previously set a £120 million asking price for the midfielder, a figure that may have climbed further given the limited time left before the transfer window shuts. Bring on Brighton. pic.twitter.com/7fWaX1sQwA— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 29, 2026 With the deadline now just days away on Tuesday, September 2, pressure is mounting on both clubs to resolve the situation one way or another. Whether Fernandez’s absence from Sunday’s squad is tied to a looming move or simply a continuation of Alonso’s rotation policy remains to be seen, but the growing noise around his future suggests his time at Chelsea could be nearing its end. Contacts continue with Enzo Fernandez’s camp Contacts have reportedly resumed between Manchester City and Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, according to Romano, with the two sides awaiting a “famous bid” as the saga enters what he described as its crucial stages. “I still don’t expect him to play tomorrow. I expect direct contacts to happen,” Romano added, while noting that Chelsea ultimately have the final say on any move before the deadline arrives.
The boss in the dugout is typically no longer an ageing former player – most are in their 40s on an exhausting treadmillOne of the problems with getting older is that you’re never quite sure whether it’s you or them. Is the world really changing, or is it just you, struggling to adapt? There’s a milestone in life, probably as you’re contemplating university or a first job, when you realise you’re watching a footballer who is younger than you. Then, 15-20 years later, you realise you’re watching a manager who is younger than you. And 15-20 years after that, especially if you’re watching the modern Premier League, you realise that almost every manager is younger than you.At which you do two things: give thanks for David Moyes; and check to see whether it’s actually happening, or whether this is just the football equivalent of the policemen-getting-younger cliche. Continue reading...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
