Have Chelsea Already Found Enzo Fernández’s Replacement

According to a report by footballTransfers on Tuesday October 13, 2026, Chelsea did not bring in a direct replacement for Enzo Fernández after selling the midfielder to Manchester City. But a player already on the club’s books could yet emerge as a useful option.

Fernández’s move dominated Chelsea’s summer, with City completing a reported €145 million deal on Deadline Day.

Chelsea had hoped to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara for around €55 million, but the French club pulled out when a potential sale of Folarin Balogun fell through.

The Blues have since been linked with several midfield targets for 2027. Still, they may not need to find a like-for-like replacement.

Fernández flourished in an advanced role under Enzo Maresca, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso may prefer a different midfield profile.

Dário Essugo is currently on loan at Strasbourg, a move that raised questions given Chelsea’s limited midfield options. The loan could, however, help the 21-year-old develop a broader skill set.

Essugo has mainly played as a defensive midfielder and has also featured at centre-back. Strasbourg coach Hugo Oliveira is now testing him as a more attacking No. 8, encouraging him to carry the ball forward and make runs into the box.

After three substitute appearances, Essugo made his first start for Strasbourg against Nice and scored, despite his side’s defeat. He told GFFN that the new role suited him:

He wants me to play as more of a No. 8, and that’s good for me because I can get in the box more. It’s a new thing for me, but I can drive the ball more and help the team in defence.”

The loan could return Essugo to Chelsea as a more versatile midfielder. He may not immediately match Fernández’s influence, but his ability to cover several roles could make him a valuable squad option.

Chelsea’s model is built around recruiting young talent and developing it. If Strasbourg can help Essugo take the next step, he might save the club from spending heavily on another midfielder and give himself a fresh chance at Stamford Bridge.

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