Manchester City has agreed to a £125 million deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, finalizing a transfer that had been a central focus of the summer window. The agreement brings the 25-year-old Argentinian midfielder to the Etihad Stadium, where he will reunite with manager Enzo Maresca, with whom he previously worked at Chelsea.
The reported fee matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool's acquisition of Alexander Isak. City initiated club-to-club contact in the final days of the transfer window, though their interest in Fernandez was known throughout the summer.
Fernandez had reportedly expressed a desire to join City upon learning of their interest. Chelsea had previously attempted to expedite negotiations by setting a deadline of August 14 for bids, with an initial valuation of £120 million. This move was intended to allow Chelsea sufficient time to find a replacement for the 2022 World Cup winner.
However, Manchester City did not adhere to Chelsea's self-imposed deadline. Following these developments, some within Chelsea suggested Fernandez was expected to remain with the club for the 2026-27 season. He was seen wearing the captain's armband in a friendly match against Real Sociedad and featured as a substitute in Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham.
Fernandez was later absent from Chelsea's squad for their Carabao Cup win over Luton and a Premier League victory against Brighton. Manager Xabi Alonso stated that the decision was his after speaking with the player, noting he selected a squad with the "desire to play." Maresca, who previously coached Fernandez at Chelsea, reportedly had a strong working relationship with the midfielder. Fernandez had, at times, worn the captain's armband during Maresca's tenure at Chelsea, even shortly after an incident following Argentina's 2024 Copa America win.