Fernandez completes British-record-equalling move to Manchester City
The Argentine midfielder joins the champions for £125m, a fee that matches the record set for Alexander Isak, as Chelsea honour their commitment despite the collapse of a replacement deal.
Manchester City have finalised the signing of midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a joint-British-record fee of £125m. The transfer, completed on Deadline Day, matches the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak a year ago. The move marks the end of a prolonged negotiation process that began more than three months ago when the Argentina international first requested a departure.
Chelsea had imposed a deadline for bids more than two weeks prior to the completion of the deal. The club proceeded with the transfer despite Monaco pulling out of an agreement for Lamine Camara in the final minutes of the window. Camara had been identified as Fernandez’s replacement at Stamford Bridge, and his departure left Chelsea with the option to withdraw from the Fernandez deal. However, the club honoured its commitment to complete the sale to Manchester City.
Financially, the transaction represents a modest gain for Chelsea, which will realise an £18m profit on the player. The club originally signed Fernandez for £107m three-and-a-half years ago. This fee is now exceeded by Chelsea’s recent record £117m transfer for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, highlighting the shifting valuation of the club’s squad.
The move also re-unites Fernandez with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is currently in charge at Manchester City. The managerial connection adds a layer of continuity to the transfer, as Fernandez joins a team he previously faced under Maresca’s guidance.
In a farewell message posted on Instagram, Fernandez described his time at the club as difficult but expressed deep affection for the team and fans. He acknowledged the challenges of his tenure while thanking the staff and teammates at Cobham and Stamford Bridge. Fernandez stated that he had grown fond of the club and that it would always hold a place in his heart.
The transfer occurs as Chelsea prepares for a managerial transition, with Xabi Alonso confirmed as the new manager. Alonso’s contract commences on 1 July, following his appointment to replace the current interim setup. The departure of Fernandez underscores the club’s ongoing efforts to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.
