Chelsea have been told to cash in on Enzo Fernandez this summer as the midfielder looks into a move away.
Fernandez caused a stir in March when he appeared to posture for a transfer to Real Madrid in a variety of media appearances, earning a club-imposed two-match suspension for his theatrics.
He has kept up the act this summer, though, with his agent telling reporters during the World Cup that he remained keen to leave the club.
As pre-season gets underway, it remains unclear whether he will get his wish. Chelsea will demand £120million for his sale, and Real Madrid have issued a public statement distancing themselves from a deal.
But for former Chelsea midfielder and coach Jody Morris, it is high time for the Blues to cash in with the player’s mind seemingly elsewhere - provided they can find a club willing to meet the eye-watering asking price.
“If people aren't wanting to pay the money for a player, then he stays,” Morris said. “Enzo Fernandez is one of the few who would get pass marks last year for Chelsea, there weren't many at all.
“But I have always been the same, if someone doesn't want to be at a football club, then let them go. Letting them go doesn't mean letting them go for cheap.
“If people don't want to be at Chelsea, I would rather they go, regardless of how they performed or how much you like the player.
“I imagine most managers or coaches would feel the same. Owners will be different because they need to get value for money.”
Morris, who was speaking on behalf of BOYLE Sports, continued, saying Fernandez’s performances at the World Cup could tempt clubs to meet Chelsea’s valuation.
“The value might be there after the World Cup he had. It might be the best opportunity to try and claw back as much of the fee we shelled out as possible.
“If he doesn't want to go, then you have a player who has produced for Chelsea before. I am sure Xabi Alonso wouldn't mind having him in the squad if he wants to be there. But if he doesn't, the quicker he leaves, the better.”
It has been a typically busy start to the transfer window for the Blues, who are also closing in on a £55m deal to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
William Saliba’s fitness struggles saw Lacroix play far more for France at the World Cup than he might have expected to, and Morris said he was not entirely convinced by his performances and pondered whether he would suit Xabi Alonso’s tactics.
“I thought Lacroix did great for Crystal Palace last year in a back three, but playing for Palace and Chelsea are two different things,” he explained.
“I didn't think he played well for France. I was telling my friends that I would be interested to see how he does in a back four, because I've only ever seen him in a three.
“He had a very poor game against Spain and I didn't think he was great against England either, where they conceded six goals. He could suit the team, but I'm intrigued to see how Alonso sets us up.
“I hope he doesn't perform like that all the time if we are going for him.”
