Argentina villain could move away from country that turned on him during World Cup
Argentina villain could move away from country that turned on him during World Cup
David SchneidmanThu, July 23, 2026 at 7:05 PM UTC
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Enzo Fernandez earned a reputation as a villain during Argentina's World Cup run -Credit:Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
One of Argentina’s World Cup stars is seeking a move away from his current club ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly looking to transfer away from the English Premier League this summer following a World Cup campaign in which he became a villain, particularly in the eyes of England fans. Fernandez, who plays for London-based club Chelsea FC, scored the equalizing goal for Argentina in their emotionally-charged 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinal.
The 25-year-old then celebrated his long-range strike by cupping his ears while appearing to mimic people talking with his hands, a gesture that many perceived to be directed toward England supporters.
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Given the fierce rivalry between Argentina and England – and Fernandez’s choice to overlay his post-game Instagram story with English anthem ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis – the celebration angered fans and posed questions about how he might be treated when he returns to the United Kingdom for the upcoming club season.
Fernandez was already considered a divisive figure before he broke English hearts in the World Cup. In March 2026, he claimed he’d “like to live in Spain” and “really like(s) Madrid,” during an interview with ESPN Argentina.
He was subsequently benched for two matches by then-Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior before returning to the lineup. Transfer talk largely took a pause during the World Cup, but Fernandez’s agent has since stoked the fire again in an attempt to get his client the move he wants.
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Fernandez was shown a red card in the World Cup final -Credit:Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
"We are looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea, but there is nothing firm or confirmed at any club," Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore said, as quoted by Marca. "Who doesn't like Madrid? Enzo has many friends there. I also live in Madrid."
Real Madrid already shut down speculation they are interested in signing Fernandez with an official club statement released on July 3. Still, oddsmakers consider it a possibility Fernandez gets his dream move, especially if he refuses to re-integrate himself at Chelsea.
The Argentine midfielder is currently +120 to join Real Madrid before the summer transfer window shuts on Sept. 1, compared to -125 odds that he will remain with Chelsea. A move to reigning Champions League winners PSG is considered a longshot at +650 odds.
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With more than a month to go until the window closes, there is plenty of time for Fernandez to make a decision, whether that be staying in England or pushing for a move abroad.
He joined Chelsea from Benfica in Feb. 2023 – less than two months after he won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina – for $132 million, then a record transfer fee for a British club. Fernandez has played 167 matches for the London club across four seasons, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists.
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Source: “AOL Sports”
