Fernandez transfers to Man City from Chelsea in joint British record fee

Argentina international Enzo Fernandez signs for Manchester City in a deal from Chelsea worth 125 million pounds ($169m).

The 25-year-old Argentina international, who was part of his country’s team that reached the 2026 World Cup final, had long been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

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City confirmed the deal with a video on the social media platform X, with the fee matching the 125 million pounds ($169m) that Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

The deal seemed to have been arranged between the clubs hours before the window closed, allowing for the player to complete a medical, but doubts began to surface as the deadline approached.

Fernandez took to his Instagram page ahead of the deadline on Tuesday to bid farewell to Chelsea supporters.

“I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven’t been in a good place.”

“Three years ago, Cobham [the club’s training ground] and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family.”

“I believe that, from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and winning every trophy that its history deserves.”

“We struggled, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories. Together, through good times and difficult ones.”

Fernandez was part of the Chelsea side that won the UEFA Conference League in 2025 before going on to secure the expanded FIFA Club World Cup that same year.

City coach Enzo Maresca worked with Fernandez at Chelsea before taking on the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

The Italian was instrumental in negotiating the agreement after the recent sale of influential World Cup winner Rodri to Barcelona, as well as departures of fellow midfielders Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.

At a cost exceeding 300 million pounds ($405.4m), the 25-year-old will join forces with England international Elliot Anderson and Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi in City’s revised central midfield.

“This is a club built for success. Looking across the squad, City possess quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.”

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for 106 million pounds ($143.2m) during 2023, previously angered the Blues last season by voicing interest in joining Real Madrid and subsequently being dropped for two matches.

He netted twice in Argentina’s campaign leading to the World Cup final, including a remarkable strike against England in the semifinal.

His journey concluded with a red card in the final as Argentina fell 1-0 short of retaining their world championship title.

“He is a complete midfielder: technically gifted, hardworking, tenacious, and a goal scorer,” said City’s director of football Hugo Viana.

“To have featured in two World Cups and secured major trophies across multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism and technical ability.”

“This signals great excitement for us, and we strongly believe Fernandez will elevate our team.”

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