Enzo Fernandez casts doubt on his Chelsea future after Champions League exit
By BBC, March 18, 2026Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he did not know whether he would be at the club next season following the Blues’ Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain.
The Blues lost 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, having suffered a 5-2 defeat in last week’s first leg.
150 appearances
Fernandez joined Chelsea for what was a British record transfer fee of 121M euros (Ksh18 trillion) in January 2023 and has played more than 150 games for the club.
But asked by ESPN if he would be with the club next season, the 25-year-old said, “I don’t know; there are eight games left and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.”
Fernandez, who has made 45 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season, scoring 12 goals and making six assists, was replaced after 60 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Lost control
“I think we failed to control the game. In the first leg, we lost focus in the final 15 minutes and conceded three goals, and here it happened at the very start,” added Fernandez, who captained the side in Reece James’ absence.
“At this level, you can’t concede two goals so quickly because of small details. Ultimately, over the two legs, PSG was the better side and deserves to go through.
“Since I arrived at Chelsea, we have already passed through similar situations, and we were able to turn them around.
“Now, our focus must be on winning the FA Cup and achieving our goal of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.”
Enzo’s remarks come days after Chelsea skipper Reece James committed his future to the club.
The Englishman agreed to a six-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2032 on Friday, March 13, 2026.
New contract
“Chelsea is delighted to announce that the men’s team captain, Reece James, has signed a new contract until 2032,” part of the club’s statement read.
James joined the Chelsea academy at the age of six, going on to become one of Cobham’s most outstanding academy graduates.
Speaking after the contract extension, James shared his elation to extend his stay with the London giants.
Excited for the future
“I am over the moon to have extended my contract—Chelsea means so much to me.
‘I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes. I’m excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach, and all the staff, and hopefully, we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years,” he said.