Several Manchester City players actively sought confirmation regarding Enzo Fernandez’s potential arrival during the closing stages of the transfer window, eager to secure the opportunity to play alongside him, according to manager Enzo Maresca.
The duo previously collaborated at Chelsea, and the 25-year-old Argentine international made the switch to City from the Blues on deadline day for a joint-British record fee of £125m.
Maresca confirmed that Fernandez is prepared to feature in his City debut this Saturday, facing newly promoted Coventry City in a Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
“I am quite familiar with Enzo and fully aware of the qualities he brings to the team,” Maresca stated.
“He possesses a champion’s mentality, having experienced victory at the highest level, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.”
Maresca appointed Fernandez as Chelsea’s captain but designated Ruben Dias as City’s new leader, succeeding Bernardo Silva who left during the summer. Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma have been integrated into the leadership group.
Maresca elaborated: “As I mentioned, he is a proven winner. When a squad welcomes another player of that caliber, the reaction is always one of genuine enthusiasm.”
“I can assure you that over the past four or five days, several members of the squad inquired about his status, expressing their desire for him to join us.”
“His presence here is immensely valuable, and we are absolutely thrilled to have finalized this move.”
During an in-house interview, external on Thursday, Fernandez expressed that playing for a club of City’s stature had been a lifelong aspiration, a remark interpreted by some as a subtle critique of his former employers at Chelsea.
Fernandez had determined to depart Stamford Bridge at the start of the year, and subsequent discussions with manager Xabi Alonso during the summer failed to alter his decision.
Alonso commented: “Football brings constant change. My interactions with Enzo have always been conducted with mutual respect. His contributions to the club have been exemplary, but the moment has come to turn the page.”
“We boast talented players across every position and are now fully prepared to move forward.”
City invested a club-record £458m in new acquisitions this window, with £327m directed toward revamping the midfield through the signings of Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Wingers Iliman Ndiaye and Allan, alongside backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, were additional first-team additions, though the club offset some expenditure by generating over £300m through player sales.
Maresca concluded: “I am extremely grateful for the commitment shown by the ownership, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and director of football Hugo Viana.”
“Following the late additions of Iliman and Enzo, the squad is now finalized. The focus shifts entirely to the work ahead.”
