Chelsea Look to Fix Enzo Fernandez Mistake With €86m Signing

According to a report by Football Transfer on Friday October 9, 2026, in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements after Enzo Fernandez’s departure on Transfer Deadline Day, Chelsea are allegedly keeping tabs on Frenkie de Jong’s situation at Barcelona.

Spanish media have reported that the Blues are showing interest in the Dutch international, who has an uncertain future at Camp Nou going into the January transfer window.

After establishing himself as a vital cog in Barcelona’s wheel, De Jong transferred to the club from Ajax in 2019 for €86 million. His usual starting spot may be in jeopardy, though, because competition for spots has heated up.

After hurting his knee at the World Cup, the 29-year-old is now on the mend. However, there are reports that he has made great strides and will be back in team training in a matter of weeks.

Reports indicate that Barcelona’s sports department is keeping a close eye on his situation. According to SPORT, a Spanish publication, the club may think about selling him if he doesn’t get a big role playing for manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona must decide on De Jong’s long-term future as his contract expires in less than three years. According to reports, Chelsea have joined Manchester City as clubs interested in signing him after City investigated the possibility in the summer.

After missing the summer transfer deadlines for central midfielders Manu Kone and Lamine Camara, the London club is focusing on signing a new player.

According to reports, Alex Scott of Bournemouth is the player that Chelsea is most interested in signing. While Kone and Camara continue to pique the club’s interest, De Jong has surfaced as an additional potential option.

The midfielder from the Netherlands could play alongside Moises Caicedo in Xabi Alonso’s ideal midfield configuration at Chelsea. If a transfer does happen, football stats experts at SciSports think De Jong could become one of Chelsea’s top performers right away.

De Jong’s estimated transfer value has dropped significantly to €38.2 million, significantly lower than the €86 million Barcelona paid Ajax—though the asking price is still unknown from Barcelona.

In their pursuit of a midfield reinforcement after Fernandez’s departure, Chelsea may find a deal financially appealing at that valuation. Still, nothing is official, and De Jong’s play following his injury return could sway Barcelona’s final decision.