Transfer News: Enzo Fernández Set to Join Manchester City

The Enzo Fernández saga is coming to an end. Manchester City have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the Argentine midfielder for £125 million, around €140 million according to reported figures, a fee that matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool for Alexander Isak. Fernández has been given permission by Chelsea to travel to Manchester and undergo his medical before completing the transfer.

Manchester City revived their pursuit of Enzo Fernández after failing in their attempt to sign Cody Gakpo. The Manchester club had already explored the possibility of signing the Argentine midfielder in April and eventually accelerated their efforts during the final hours of the transfer window.

Chelsea had, however, made their position clear on August 14. The London club had indicated that they intended to keep Fernández for the 2026-27 season unless an offer of £120 million was submitted within the deadline they had set.

The situation eventually changed following City's approach. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fernández only wanted to join Manchester City. The player's preference therefore played a role in the outcome of the deal.

A complicated end to his Chelsea career

Fernández's final weeks at Stamford Bridge were particularly eventful. The Argentine midfielder was booed by supporters during the final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and again during the opening Premier League game against Fulham.

After that match, he went straight down the tunnel without joining his teammates to greet the travelling supporters. He then missed the following two games, against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup and Brighton in the league.

The situation followed tensions that had already emerged last season. In April, former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior left Fernández out of the starting lineup for two matches. His agent, former Argentina international Javier Pastore, described the decision as “completely unfair”. Fernández subsequently returned to the squad.

170 appearances, 31 goals and 30 assists

Having joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for £106.8 million, Fernández leaves Stamford Bridge after making 170 appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists.

The Argentina international quickly established himself as an important player at Chelsea. He also regularly wore the captain's armband in the absence of Reece James, effectively taking on a vice-captain role.

Under Enzo Maresca, Fernández enjoyed a particularly productive spell in an attacking role. Operating higher up the pitch, notably in the left side of midfield, he scored 15 goals last season, his best tally since arriving in England.

Fernández set to reunite with Enzo Maresca

The transfer also carries a particular significance for Fernández, as he is set to reunite in Manchester with Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea manager.

Manchester City are also dealing with several changes in midfield. Rodri has joined Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders has moved to Al Qadsiah, while the Manchester club had already signed Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Fernández's arrival will therefore strengthen a midfield that has undergone significant changes during this transfer window. The agreement is now in place. Fernández still has to complete his medical and the final formalities before officially becoming a Manchester City player.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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