Chelsea are set to begin their 2026-27 Carabao Cup campaign this Thursday, August 27, as they host third-tier Luton Town at Stamford Bridge for the second round. While manager Xabi Alonso opted for squad rotation, Enzo Fernandez’s total absence from the team sheet has sparked significant speculation.
According to South American transfer specialist Cesar Luis Merlo, Enzo Fernandez personally requested that Xabi Alonso exclude him from the match against Luton Town. Despite being fully fit and injury-free, the Argentine international reportedly sought to avoid playing as he works to finalize a high-profile move to Manchester City.
This information is supported by talkSPORT reporters Ciaran Wiseman and Ben Jacobs, who noted that Fernandez was left out of the squad due to advanced transfer negotiations with Manchester City. The reports suggest the midfielder is currently finalizing personal terms for a blockbuster move to the Etihad Stadium, leading to his complete omission from the matchday squad.
Although he has been one of the club’s marquee players, Fernandez’s role has recently become uncertain. During Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham, the midfielder was relegated to the bench, only appearing in the 65th minute to the visible frustration of some Chelsea supporters.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea hands the captain badge to Enzo Fernandez. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Currently, Chelsea’s leadership, manager Xabi Alonso, and Fernandez have reached a mutual agreement regarding his departure. With Manchester City working to finalize a potentially record-breaking fee, his exclusion from the squad is intended to expedite negotiations before the September 1 Premier League transfer deadline.
Enzo Fernandez Could Become Premier League’s Most Expensive Signing
Chelsea had previously established a deadline of Friday, August 14, stating that any club could secure Fernandez by meeting a £120 million valuation. While that specific window has closed, Manchester City continues to pursue the midfielder and may set a new record for the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
As reported by TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, Manchester City is preparing a formal bid valued between £130 million and £140 million ($177M to $191M USD). This would significantly surpass the £106.8 million ($145M USD) Chelsea originally paid to Benfica for his services.
Confirmed Lineups for Chelsea and Luton Town
Chelsea’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Mike Penders; Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Josep Chavarria; Valentin Barco, Reece James; Estevao, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers; Danny Welbeck.
Head coach: Xabi Alonso.
Luton Town’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Josh Keeley; Harrison Ashby, Hakeem Odofin, George Johnston, Joe Johnson; Benedict Benagr, Liam Walsh; Emilio Lawrence, Kasey Palmer, Gideon Kodua; Callum Marshall.
Head coach: Jack Wilshere.
