Chelsea Xabi Alonso says he will keep Enzo Fernandez

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso publicly stated his desire to retain midfielder Enzo Fernandez and outlined his early plans for the squad during his official unveiling at Stamford Bridge on Monday, July 13, 2026. The event marked Alonso's first major news conference since taking charge of the Premier League club last week.

Alonso confirmed he has spoken with Fernandez, the 25-year-old Argentina international who is currently preparing for a World Cup semifinal, but kept the details of their conversation private. When directly asked if he wanted to keep the player at Chelsea, Alonso replied, "Yes." Fernandez had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club issued a statement last week denying any pursuit, leaving his future uncertain amid Chelsea's reported 120 million pound valuation.

The press conference also addressed several other squad matters. Alonso confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson, returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, will rejoin the squad for the club's preseason tour of Asia. In contrast, winger Alejandro Garnacho has not returned to training, with Alonso acknowledging interest from other clubs, including Roma, and an agreement...