LONDON: Paul Scholes believes Chelsea have “destroyed” their chances of challenging for the Premier League title after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
Man City completed a sensational £125 million move for Fernandez on the final day of the transfer window, making the Argentine one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.
Fernandez has been one of the most influential players at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million in 2023, but he made it clear at the start of the summer that he wanted to leave the club.
City failed to meet Chelsea’s deadline to sign Fernandez for 120 million pounds last month, but continued negotiations with the Blues before finally reaching an agreement just hours before the transfer window closed.
Fernandez was previously interested in securing a dream move to Real Madrid during the World Cup, but also agreed to join City to play under former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The 25-year-old was not listed in Chelsea’s first two Premier League matches this season and has the opportunity to make his debut for City against Coventry City this Saturday.
Scholes, considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, said he was “not a big fan” of Fernandez when he first arrived in England, but now considers him a “great player” and a big loss for Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso’s team were previously considered among the favourites to challenge for the Premier League title, but Scholes does not see Chelsea as capable of challenging defending champions Arsenal, who they will face this weekend without Fernandez.
“I don’t think he’s unhappy at Chelsea but his mind has been influenced by Manchester City.
“But if Chelsea want to win the Premier League, which I don’t think they can do, they can’t let go of Enzo Fernandez.
“They used Malo Gusto in midfield the other day, that wasn’t good enough. Reece James also started in midfield and that wasn’t good enough either.
“I wasn’t a big fan of Enzo when he first arrived but over time I’ve grown to like him and now I think he’s a great player.
“He would be great for Manchester City but Chelsea shouldn’t let this happen because City are their direct rivals.
“City have ‘taken advantage’ of Chelsea with the manager, they have clearly destabilised him and are talking to him about a transfer in the summer.
“That really ruined Chelsea’s season because at that time they were in their best form and playing really well.
“If Enzo Fernandez joins Manchester City, he could potentially ruin Chelsea’s season once again,” the Manchester United legend and former England midfielder said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
After moving to the Etihad Stadium in a £125 million transfer, Fernandez said: “Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well City is managed.
“I couldn’t be happier to be here and I’m ready for the challenge of helping City continue to win trophies. This club is built to achieve success.”