Chelsea Have Already Agreed Deal With Their Future Enzo Fernandez Replacement

Cole Palmer has backed Chelsea academy midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli to become the club's long-term answer in the middle of the park, insisting the 16-year-old has everything needed to make it at Stamford Bridge. Nicoll-Jazuli, who will sign his first professional contract at Chelsea when he turns 17 in January, has been one of the standout homegrown names on the club's pre-season tour of Australia. He played the second half of Tuesday's 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers and had already featured in behind-closed-doors friendlies against Crawley Town and Bromley. Last season, he was a regular for Chelsea's U18 side and he has seven appearances for the U21 team. Palmer has been impressed by what he has seen from the teenager, who is an England U17 international and can also represent Australia and France. "He's funny. He's confident. He's only 16. But he's got all the attributes to play at this club. Even next season he could possibly be ready. It's on him if he wants to work hard and keep his focus. But he definitely has all the talents to do what he wants," Palmer said. The praise does not stop there. Xabi Alonso is also a huge admirer, describing Nicoll-Jazuli as a dynamic player with special qualities you rarely see in a 16-year-old. The timing is notable given the uncertainty around Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer, but his €140 million price tag has put off suitors. Real Madrid are prioritising a deal for Rodri, leaving Fernandez with few options. If he remains at the club, speculation could intensify again in 2027, with Chelsea potentially ready to reduce their demands. Alongside fellow academy star Reggie Watson, Nicoll-Jazuli could become a first-team regular within the next few years. Like Fernandez, he is a box-to-box midfielder capable of performing several roles in the centre of the pitch, and the early signs from pre-season suggest Chelsea are already planning for that succession.