Chelsea's £107m Enzo Fernandez Struggles to Find Form Amid Off-Field Issues and Tactical Shift

Enzo Fernandez's £107 million price tag, which made him Chelsea's marquee signing from Benfica in January 2023, has brought immense pressure on the Argentine midfielder. However, his performances this season have been underwhelming, and as Chelsea prepares for a clash with Manchester United, it is likely Fernandez will once again not feature in the starting line-up. This marks a stark contrast to his initial status as a key player for the Blues.

Despite being named vice-captain in the summer, Fernandez has found himself sidelined in recent weeks, with manager Enzo Maresca opting for different tactical setups. Fernandez has lost his place in Maresca's preferred 'A-team', especially with the return of Romeo Lavia from injury. Chelsea’s shift towards a more physical midfield, with Lavia and Moisés Caicedo both excelling in defensive roles, has pushed Fernandez further out of the picture.

Off-Field Controversies and Impact on Fernandez’s Form

Fernandez’s difficult start to the season hasn’t just been limited to his performances on the field. Off-field controversies have added to his struggles. A highly publicized incident during Argentina's Copa America victory celebrations in July, where Fernandez was filmed live-streaming a racist and transphobic chant, sparked backlash. Many of his Chelsea teammates, including Wesley Fofana, expressed their disapproval, leading to an apology from Fernandez. Though the incident was addressed, it has likely affected his mentality and focus this season.

The Pressure of High Expectations

Fernandez, alongside his £100 million-plus counterpart Moisés Caicedo, has faced criticism for struggling to live up to his astronomical transfer fee. Maresca himself admitted that the weight of such a high price tag can affect players’ mental states, with both Fernandez and Caicedo perhaps feeling the pressure to meet these expectations. Despite this, Maresca has reiterated that Fernandez is not a "problem" player but one who needs to find his role in the team.

Future at Chelsea

Fernandez’s future at Chelsea is now uncertain. The club will likely be reluctant to cut ties with such an expensive investment too soon, but his lack of consistent form could force them to reconsider. Chelsea supporters remain hopeful that Fernandez can rediscover the world-class potential that made him such a prized signing, but if he continues to struggle, a potential move—perhaps even to Real Madrid—could emerge as an option.

For now, the 23-year-old midfielder must focus on regaining his form and finding his place in Maresca’s evolving Chelsea team. Only time will tell whether he can carve out a meaningful role or if his high-profile transfer becomes one of the club's most significant disappointments.