EPL: Chelsea identify 16-year-old midfielder to replace Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have reportedly identified 16-year-old academy midfielder Reggie Watson as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez following the Argentine’s move to Manchester City.

Fernandez completed a £125 million transfer to City on the final day of the 2026 summer transfer window. The deal saw Chelsea receive a joint-British record fee and became the highest amount the west London club has ever received for a player.

The Argentina international had been pushing to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window opened. Chelsea eventually decided that allowing him to depart was in the club’s best interest, completing the transfer just hours before the deadline.

According to Flashscore, as reported by Chelsea Chronicle, Chelsea could now turn to their academy rather than immediately bringing in another experienced midfielder.

The Blues had been working on a deal for Lamine Camara but were unable to complete the transfer. As a result, manager Xabi Alonso is left with limited options in midfield.

The report claims Watson could be given opportunities to train and feature more regularly with the first team as Chelsea look for solutions to their midfield problems.

ALSO READ

• Transfer: Man City agree £125m deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea
• EPL: Paul Scholes names club that’ll no longer win title this season

The 16-year-old could particularly benefit if Reece James or Romeo Lavia suffer injury problems, potentially giving the academy prospect a chance to make a bigger impact at Stamford Bridge.