Enzo Fernandez was booed by large sections of Chelsea supporters after coming on as a substitute during a 3-1 friendly win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Several fans made their feelings known when the 25-year-old, who has previously made clear his desire to leave Chelsea, entered the pitch in the 62nd minute to replace Reece James.
Despite the negative reception, other supporters offered their backing to the Argentina international, who informed the Blues in May of his intention to depart. Chelsea has placed a reported asking price of £120 million ($162 million) on the midfielder, though no formal bids have been received during the current summer transfer window.
Fernandez previously scored Argentina’s equaliser in their World Cup semi-final win over England in July before being sent off in the South Americans’ defeat by Spain in the final. His presence on the field followed a match where record signing Morgan Rogers scored on his first Stamford Bridge appearance, tapping in the rebound after Joao Pedro’s header was saved.
Brazilian Pedro ensured victory for new manager Xabi Alonso in the team’s final match before their Premier League opener against Fulham. Pedro scored a double to take his pre-season total to eight goals, following an earlier equaliser for the La Liga side from Jon Aramburu.
