Rodri’s move to Barcelona is on – and now it feels like Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is the next domino to fall.
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Fabrizio Romano has just dropped his trademark “here we go” to confirm that everything is agreed at last on the Rodri to Barcelona move.
This is one of those rare moments where a transfer not involving Chelsea could have major knock on effects for the Blues – and in fact the ripples could spread across multiple teams in multiple leagues.
Rodri going (for a hefty €76.5m fee) surely sparks City’s move for Enzo Fernandez back into life. Chelsea put down a Friday deadline for bids for the Argentine, but they won’t care about going back on their word a few days later if they get the £120m they want for him.
Knock on effects of Rodri deal could spread far
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Selling Enzo would be just the start of it, however. Chelsea would then need to replace him, and we’d expect bidding for Adam Wharton and Alex Scott to get very serious, very fast. No club wants to sell a key player a week before the season starts, and Chelsea would have to make an irresistible offer to convince them.
Crystal Palace or Bournemouth would then themselves be scrambling for replacements, and the chain reaction would continue.
Our writer Simon Phillips has said all along that Chelsea could be signing a new midfielder even if Enzo stays – with a current option ready to go on loan.
Pedro Neto is another player being linked with a late transfer away from Chelsea, with a Saudi club already having reportedly agreed personal terms with him.