Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Xabi Alonso insisted that his decision to drop Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s 2-0 EFL Cup win over Luton Town on Thursday was not linked to reports he could be about to join Manchester City.
The Argentinian was left out of the squad entirely for the win at Stamford Bridge, just a day after the manager said he expected him to be involved.
Reports in Fernandez’s home country had suggested the player had asked not to play but Alonso said the decision was taken in order to give other players opportunities.
City are understood to be preparing a bid to take Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium despite an informal deadline set by Chelsea to receive offers having passed.
The 25-year-old first asked to leave Stamford Bridge in May with the club placing a £120million (140m USD) price tag on the World Cup winner.
Xabi Alonso insisted that his decision to drop Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s 2-0 EFL Cup win over Luton Town on Thursday was not linked to reports he could be about to join Manchester City.
The Argentinian was left out of the squad entirely for the win at Stamford Bridge, just a day after the manager said he expected him to be involved.
Reports in Fernandez’s home country had suggested the player had asked not to play but Alonso said the decision was taken in order to give other players opportunities.
City are understood to be preparing a bid to take Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium despite an informal deadline set by Chelsea to receive offers having passed.
The 25-year-old first asked to leave Stamford Bridge in May with the club placing a £120million (140m USD) price tag on the World Cup winner.
