Manchester City have completed a stunning £125m move for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. The deal matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last year and gives Pep Guardiola’s side another elite midfielder.
Fernandez has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. The move also reunites the Argentina international with Enzo Maresca, the manager who previously coached him at Chelsea.
The transfer came with late drama. Chelsea were furious after Monaco pulled out of their proposed deal for Lamine Camara, who had been viewed as Fernandez’s replacement.
That collapse gave Chelsea an opportunity to reconsider the City deal. However, the London club chose to honour its commitment and allowed Fernandez to complete his move.
The transfer also ends a long period of uncertainty around the midfielder. Fernandez first told Chelsea more than three months ago that he wanted to leave, while the club had set a deadline for interested teams to submit offers.
Chelsea will make an £18m profit on the player they signed from Benfica for £107m three-and-a-half years ago. For City, the move represents another major investment in a player they believe can strengthen an already deep midfield.
Fernandez made no secret of his excitement after completing the move. “Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times,” he said.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.”
The Argentine also promised to bring the same intensity that made him a key player for club and country. “I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I’m here.”
City now have another technically gifted midfielder with the hunger to compete at the highest level. With Fernandez joining a squad built to challenge for every major trophy, the pressure will be immediate, but so will the opportunity.
