Manchester City has completed the signing of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth £125 million ($167 million), equaling the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s acquisition of Alexander Isak. The transfer was finalized on Tuesday, the final day of the summer window, as Premier League clubs set a new spending record approaching £3.5 billion ($4.7 billion) for a single transfer period.
Fernandez, 25, joins Manchester City under new manager Enzo Maresca, who had previously worked with the player at Chelsea. The move comes amid a significant squad overhaul at City following the departure of Pep Guardiola after a decade of success. Key senior players including Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijani Reijnders have left the club this summer.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, described Fernandez as “a complete midfielder” with technical skill, tenacity, and versatility. Viana highlighted the Argentine’s experience, noting his participation in two World Cup finals and multiple trophies in different countries at a young age. Fernandez is expected to form a midfield partnership alongside England’s Elliot Anderson and Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi as part of City’s revamped lineup, valued at around £300 million.
Fernandez expressed enthusiasm about joining City, calling the club “built for success” and praising the quality throughout the squad. He said he was motivated by the club’s recent achievements and history, noting the expectations to compete for and win trophies in every competition. The midfielder also acknowledged the role Maresca played in facilitating the transfer, describing their reunion as a key factor in his decision to move.
The transfer followed a period of uncertainty at Chelsea, where Fernandez’s relationship with supporters had soured amid speculation over his future. The midfielder had previously indicated his desire to join Real Madrid, resulting in disciplinary action and being excluded from Chelsea’s squad for their last two matches before the transfer. He posted a heartfelt farewell to Chelsea fans on social media, describing the decision to leave as difficult.
Chelsea’s efforts to replace Fernandez during the window were only partially successful. While a last-minute deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara fell through, the London club did secure the signing of England forward Morgan Rogers for £117 million and brought in several other players as part of a rebuilding phase under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs made significant moves before the deadline. Manchester City also signed Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million. Liverpool acquired French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal potentially worth around £124 million but faced setbacks in other transfer targets. Tottenham spent over £300 million on new recruits, including securing Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk on loan after missing out on key targets.
City’s aggressive recruitment marks the start of a new chapter as the club aims to maintain its dominant position in English and European football despite managerial changes and a notably reshaped roster. Fernandez is signed on a five-year contract reportedly worth £250,000 per week, and he has taken the No.17 shirt, citing personal and spiritual significance attached to the number.
As the Premier League’s transfer window closed, the record-breaking spending highlighted the continued financial power and ambition of English clubs this season, with several clubs investing heavily to strengthen squads ahead of a new campaign.