{"id":2989,"date":"2026-09-02T18:31:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2989"},"modified":"2026-09-02T18:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:31:11","slug":"david-ornstein-names-the-mystery-midfielder-chelsea-tried-to-sign-on-deadline-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2989","title":{"rendered":"David Ornstein names the mystery midfielder Chelsea tried to sign on Deadline Day"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea failed in their attempts to bring in a replacement for Enzo Fernandez on deadline day, as the Blues stuck to their word and gave Man City their blessing \u2013 green-lighting a \u00a3125m move.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea<\/a> had the chance to stop Fernandez\u2019s <\/a>move after learning that Monaco had pulled the plug on Camara\u2019s \u00a347m move to Stamford Bridge<\/a>. Monaco needed a sale and preferred to sell Folarin Balogun.<\/p>\n

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However, Balogun rejected a move to Everton just when Monaco pulled the plug on Chelsea\u2019s move for the Senegal international. Now, no-one is happy, because Monaco have left a big hole in their finances.<\/p>\n

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With Enzo Fernandez gone and Lamine Camara staying at Monaco, who should partner Moises Caicedo in midfield this season?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Indeed, sporting director Thiago Scuro is under intense scrutiny<\/a> and could be sacked, having failed to fix Monaco\u2019s financial issues. He may save himself if Fenerbahce move before the Turkish deadline<\/a> on Friday.<\/p>\n

Camara was not the only midfielder Chelsea were pursuing on the final day of the window. Going into deadline day, Roma midfielder Manu Kone looked the more likely signing<\/a> to arrive in West London.<\/p>\n

David Ornstein names Sander Berge as Chelsea\u2019s other target<\/h2>\n

But there were reports that Chelsea were also pursuing a mystery Premier League midfielder on the final day. Now, David Ornstein tells The Athletic\u2019s post-window podcast<\/a> that it was Fulham\u2019s Sander Berge.<\/p>\n

\u201cChelsea would have wanted a replacement, not necessarily like for like or direct, but they would have wanted to enhance their squad. They really looked like they were going for Manu Kone on the final day.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBut Italy\u2019s transfer window closed early. Roma would have needed a replacement. There were some complications around that; they [Chelsea] had other possibilities. I heard names like Sander Berge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know Lamine Camara became the one they went for in the end, and we\u2019ll come on to talk about that drama. Why did Chelsea leave it until that point? People are frustrated for them,\u201d Ornstein went on to say.<\/p>\n

It might be a good thing Chelsea did not pursue Berge deal<\/h2>\n

There is no doubting that Berge is a solid Premier League player. He is a good player in that Fulham side, the team Chelsea beat in Xabi Alonso\u2019s first game as Chelsea boss. But as Fernandez\u2019s replacement?<\/p>\n

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It is hugely underwhelming. Berge is a holding midfielder, known for his combative features, disrupting play and winning headers. Yes, technically, he is astute. But to put it simply, Chelsea can do a lot better.<\/p>\n

Had Chelsea signed Berge as Fernandez\u2019s replacement, fans would have been calling for another signing in midfield. With Camara, he was the<\/em> Fernandez replacement. He might have done a job at Chelsea.<\/p>\n

But the Blues need a better midfielder to be labelled the replacement for Fernandez, who left for a British-record-equalling fee. For now, Chelsea will have to make do with their five current midfield options.<\/p>\n

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