Shocking thing happened inside Stamford Bridge when Enzo Fernandez was subbed on for first appearance since Man City transfer links

Morgan Rogers scored his first Chelsea goal in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful as Xabi Alonso’s side wrapped up their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, but much of the afternoon’s focus was on Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez, who was granted extended leave after his World Cup commitments, returned to Chelsea training earlier this week amid widespread speculation that he is set to join Manchester City and link up with former boss Enzo Maresca.

Despite Chelsea setting City a 5pm deadline on Friday (August 14) to pay the £120million asking price, the South American remains part of Alonso’s plans.

And on Saturday (August 15), he was introduced as a second-half substitute, with his introduction evoking a mixed reception around the ground.

Some Chelsea fans stood and applauded, while others chose to greet Fernandez’s return to west London with a chorus of boos.

One Chelsea fan account even claimed that some supporters began arguing in the stands over the reaction to Fernandez’s return to the club.

The fan wrote on X: “This is incredible here at Stamford Bridge. Enzo gets booed on the ball and then it’s overtaken by ‘OHHH ENZO FERNANDEZ’, some people arguing with each other in the stands over what should happen.”

Another added: “I lowkey feel like most of the animosity in the stands is by those upset that he scored and celebrated versus England in the WC and not related to the transfer saga.”

A third commented: “I don’t agree with the booing, but I understand the frustration. Once Enzo is on that pitch, though, the focus should be Chelsea.”

While a fourth claimed: “This is what happens when a player’s future becomes a circus. Stamford Bridge is clearly divided. But now that Enzo looks set to stay (hopefully), the best thing he can do is win the fans back on the pitch. Perform, fight, and give them a reason to sing his name again.”

As a fifth wrote: “Remarkable. Fans booing his every touch, but then others respond by chanting Enzo Fernandez’s chant. Has a club ever been so divided on their own player?”

With a sixth adding: “There's nothing incredible about booing Enzo on our own ground from our own fans, especially when he's still in a Chelsea shirt. It's a lowly act.

“Support him whenever he puts on a #CFC shirt for as long as he's in that shirt and he's giving his all... I'm glad others stopped it.”

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Despite Fernandez inevitably capturing the headlines with his presence, Rogers, who made his first Chelsea appearance since completing a £117million move from Aston Villa, took just ten minutes to score his first goal for the club.

Jon Mikel Aramburu levelled things on 45 minutes before Joao Pedro’s second-half brace handed the home side a 3-1 win.

Chelsea get their Premier League campaign underway away at Fulham on August 24.