Chelsea considered a move for Fulham midfielder Sander Berge as they sought a replacement for Enzo Fernandez before the summer transfer window deadline, according to the BBC.
The Norway international was among the players assessed by the London club as a possible addition to their midfield. Chelsea were looking for a new player in that position after Fernandez, the Argentina international, moved to Manchester City.
However, Chelsea did not submit an official offer to Fulham for Berge. Despite the interest in the 28-year-old, the club’s leadership stopped short of making a formal approach for the Scandinavian midfielder before the transfer window closed.
Berge’s name was therefore included among Chelsea’s potential targets rather than becoming the subject of completed negotiations between the two London clubs. Fulham received no official proposal from Chelsea for the player, and Berge remained with his current club.
The midfielder has made three Premier League appearances for Fulham during the current season. He has not registered a goal or an assist in those matches.
Berge’s current market value is estimated at €25m. That valuation placed him among the midfield options Chelsea considered while assessing how to replace Fernandez, although the club ultimately did not follow up its interest with a bid.
The move would have involved Chelsea attempting to recruit from another Premier League side, with Berge already established at Fulham. Instead, the reported interest did not progress beyond consideration before the deadline.
Chelsea’s interest centred on finding a replacement for Fernandez following his transfer to Manchester City. Berge was one of the candidates identified for the role, but there was no official offer and no transfer was completed.
At Fulham, Berge has continued to feature during the opening part of the Premier League campaign, making three appearances without contributing a goal or assist. His performances and estimated €25m market value were part of the context surrounding his consideration by Chelsea.
The Norwegian’s inclusion on Chelsea’s shortlist highlights the club’s search for midfield cover after Fernandez’s departure. Nevertheless, the available information indicates that Berge was only a possible target, with Chelsea deciding not to present Fulham with a formal proposal before the summer window deadline.