Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has criticised Chelsea for failing to replace Enzo Fernandez following the midfielder’s £125 million move to Manchester City, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez completed his move to the Premier League champions on deadline day in a British record-equalling deal, leaving Chelsea without a direct replacement in midfield.
The Blues had attempted to bring in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara before the transfer window closed, but the move failed to materialise, leaving new manager Xabi Alonso with limited options in the middle of the park.
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Chelsea’s defensive struggles have since raised further questions over the decision, with the London club conceding 12 goals across their opening six matches in all competitions.
Mikel believes the failure to strengthen the midfield has contributed to those problems, particularly after the club had been aware of Fernandez’s desire to leave.
“That is one position that the club has failed to strengthen during the transfer window. We failed,” Mikel said on the Obi One podcast.
“We knew Enzo Fernandez wanted to leave the football club. We knew for so long he wanted to go.
“Yes, we got £125m sitting in the bank, but we failed to bring in another player, and that’s why we are suffering right now.”
Caicedo’s absence is another problem for Chelsea
Mikel also believes Chelsea’s midfield problems have been made worse by the absence of Moises Caicedo, who has struggled for availability this season. According to the former midfielder, Caicedo’s ability to break up play and protect the defence will be crucial to Chelsea’s chances of becoming more solid under Alonso.
“We are missing Moises Caicedo. When we get him back, I think we will be a much, much more solid team.
“He is that guy that breaks up play, that makes sure that our back four is well protected. Our back four is solid.
“That energy that he brings, break-up plays, setting up plays, driving the ball forward, just what Declan Rice is doing for Arsenal. That’s what Moises Caicedo brings for us, and he’s been an absolutely huge miss.
“As soon as he comes back, I think we will be a much better team. There’s absolutely no question about it.”
Having settled for a disappointing 2-2 draw in their last Premier League outing against newly promoted side Hull City, the Blues will be eager to return to winning ways when they face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this weekend.
