Mikel Obi Slams Enzo Fernández's Transfer Conduct After Real Madrid Rule Out Move
Sports Updated: 03 July 2026 16:22 EAT
Photo courtesy : Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing criticism of Enzo Fernández and his representatives following Real Madrid's decision to publicly dismiss reports linking the Spanish giants with a move for the Chelsea midfielder. Mikel questioned Fernández's conduct, arguing that the Argentina international has allowed transfer speculation to overshadow his responsibilities at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel said: "This is what happens when a player gets desperate and ends up with a poor agency behind him. Enzo Fernández is Chelsea's assistant captain or he has forgotten. But look at how him and his agent are acting right now. And I put a lot of that blame on BlueCo too. Forget the numbers he put up at Chelsea last season. Yes, it was a bad season overall, but he tried to cover it with a few goals and assists."
The former Nigeria international argued that Fernández should have prioritised his performances on the pitch instead of becoming embroiled in transfer speculation. "Instead of doing that, he should've focused. Go to the World Cup, perform at your best, then come back to Chelsea. Play well next season, lead properly, and the big clubs will come for you naturally. But just look at what he and his agent are doing right now. That's not the way to get a move."
Mikel also reflected on his own playing career at Chelsea, saying loyalty and respect for the club should come before any transfer ambitions. "In my whole career at Chelsea, I never behaved like this. Because I respected the badge, I respected the club that gave me everything."
He went on to accuse Fernández and his representatives of treating Chelsea merely as a stepping stone in pursuit of a move to Spain. "But Enzo and his agent are treating Chelsea like a stepping stone. They want to use the club just to force a move to Real Madrid."
Mikel concluded by pointing to Real Madrid's public rejection of the reported transfer links. "Well, Real Madrid have said no. So now? They should go find the club that's actually willing to pay that £120 million."
His remarks came after Real Madrid issued an official statement denying any contact with Chelsea or Fernández's representatives regarding a transfer. The Spanish club said it had not made any approach for the midfielder and dismissed the speculation linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The denial followed comments from Fernández's agent suggesting that Real Madrid admired the Argentine midfielder, although the agent maintained that any discussions over his future would only take place after the FIFA World Cup.
Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for what was then a British-record transfer fee and remains under a long-term contract with the Premier League club. He has since become one of Chelsea's assistant captains and remains an important figure in the squad.
With Real Madrid ruling out a move, Fernández's immediate focus remains Argentina's World Cup campaign, while speculation surrounding his long-term future at Chelsea is expected to continue throughout the transfer window.
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FELIX MAKONA
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