Alonso addresses Enzo Fernandez’s future as Chelsea maintain perfect start
By Luke Oluoch, August 30, 2026Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed his delight and satisfaction after his side maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
The West Londoners were in unstoppable form early on, racing into a three-goal lead against a hard-fighting Brighton side that had come off an impressive opening-day win over Aston Villa.
Fabian Hürzeler’s men endured a brutal start at Stamford Bridge, ultimately slumping to their first defeat of the new campaign despite a spirited second-half fightback.
“All the wins, I enjoy them a lot. It was a game of different moments and different feelings, and at the end we are happy with the result,” Alonso said after the match”
“The most important thing is the feeling of victory. We had a great, great start to get a 3-0 lead playing really well. It is a process, and we will keep working and learning, but two wins from two games feels great.”
With the result, Alonso became the first Chelsea manager to win his opening two Premier League matches since Thomas Tuchel five years ago.
Fernández’s transfer saga
Addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding Enzo Fernández’s future, Alonso stated that the decision to omit the Argentine midfielder from the matchday squad for a second consecutive game, following his absence in the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, was in the best interest of all parties amid mounting transfer interest from Manchester City.
“We will see. We want the best for the team. That’s why we made the decision against Luton and today. Anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop,” Alonso explained.
The Chelsea boss added that the club is braced for any eventuality as the deadline approaches and rumours of Fernández’s potential departure intensify.
“We are not sure; we are preparing for all scenarios, but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday, we will have a good enough squad to compete in all our Premier League games,” he concluded.
According to reports on Tuesday, August 28, 2026, Chelsea are prepared to agree to a deal for the want-way midfielder to Manchester City for the right price, if they can improve their squad before the window closes.