Chelsea supporters have grown used to hearing bold takes on the state of their club, but when a legend like Didier Drogba shares his thoughts, the football world listens closely.
Following Chelsea’s vital 2-1 win over the weekend, the Ivorian icon made headlines with a powerful and direct message to both head coach Enzo Maresca and the club’s leadership.
His plea? Take immediate action to secure the future of Enzo Fernández — a player he believes could become the cornerstone of Chelsea’s next great team.
Contrary to the growing buzz surrounding other transfer targets, Drogba was quick to set the record straight: he wasn’t talking about Pedro Neto or any flair winger.
“It’s not Neto,” Drogba stated firmly. “Everyone’s fixated on flashy wingers, but if Maresca truly wants to build a title-winning squad, the priority has to be keeping Enzo Fernández at the heart of it.
This kid has already proven himself on the biggest stages. Tie him down to a seven-year deal before the European giants come calling.”
Since his arrival in 2023 amid huge expectations, Fernández has steadily grown into a pivotal figure for the Blues.
Under Maresca’s guidance, the Argentine midfielder has started to show why he was so highly rated — with his vision, pressing, and intelligence turning him into the engine room of Chelsea’s midfield.
Whether it’s through dictating play, regaining possession, or initiating attacks, Fernández has emerged as a true midfield general.
His commanding display against Manchester United recently served as another highlight of his development.
Completing 94% of his passes and controlling the tempo from deep, Fernández dominated the midfield throughout the match — offering yet another reminder of why he earned the FIFA Young Player of the Tournament title during the World Cup.
“Enzo is the brain and the rhythm of this side,” Drogba stressed. “When he’s performing, Chelsea doesn’t just play better — they grow in belief.
You see it across the team. Players like him are rare. And when clubs hesitate with contracts, they don’t stick around.”
While Fernández already has a long-term deal in place, Drogba believes the time is right for Chelsea to extend and upgrade his contract significantly.
Interest is reportedly building from top European outfits such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG — all monitoring his continued rise in the Premier League.
But for Drogba, this isn’t just about holding on to a star.
It’s about laying the foundation for sustained success.
“You don’t win with just style. You need fighters with class. Enzo is both,” Drogba said.
“If Chelsea wants to dominate the next decade, they need to make a statement.
That means showing full support for Enzo — on the pitch, in the boardroom, and on the wage sheet.”
Now, the pressure is on the club. It’s Chelsea’s move.
