Man City agree £125m deal for Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez for £125 million, in a deal that matches the British transfer record.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez, with the Argentina international now expected to undergo a medical before completing his move to the Etihad Stadium.

The agreement was reached after negotiations between the two Premier League clubs over the past 24 hours, with personal terms not expected to present an obstacle. The transfer will see Fernandez return to work with City manager Enzo Maresca, who coached the midfielder during his time in charge of Chelsea.

The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-British record £107 million. His proposed move to City would surpass that figure and match the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer.

Maresca reunites with Fernandez

Fernandez's arrival is a major statement from City as Maresca reshapes his midfield following several high-profile departures this summer. The Argentine midfielder already knows the manager's methods from their time together at Stamford Bridge, potentially easing his transition into City's system.

Fernandez was absent from Chelsea's squad for their 4-3 Premier League victory over Brighton on Sunday and their 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Luton Town earlier in the week. Reports from Argentina indicated that the player had asked not to be included while his future was being resolved.

His move now appears set to bring an end to his Chelsea career after three-and-a-half seasons.

City continue record-breaking spending

Fernandez becomes the second player to join City for a club-record fee this summer. The champions had already paid £116 million to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, making the England international the club's most expensive signing at the time.

City have now pushed that figure even higher with Fernandez.

The Argentine also becomes the latest addition to an increasingly expensive Premier League transfer market, joining a group of players whose reported fees have exceeded £100 million this summer.

Morgan Rogers moved from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117 million, while Liverpool signed Bradley Barcola for £123 million. Anderson's £116 million transfer to City was another of the summer's biggest deals.

City's midfield overhaul

Fernandez's proposed arrival comes after a significant turnover in City's midfield. Tijjani Reijnders left for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, while Rodri moved to Barcelona for £65 million. Nico Gonzalez also departed after agreeing a £52 million transfer to Newcastle United.

Bernardo Silva has also left the club, joining Real Madrid as a free agent. Those departures have created space for a substantial rebuild, with City already investing in younger options.

The club signed 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million and brought in Brazilian winger Allan Elias for £34 million, alongside further additions including Jeremy Monga and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

City have also sanctioned significant business elsewhere in the squad. Savio joined Tottenham for £75 million, while the club is set to receive a further £60 million when Omar Marmoush's loan move to the London club becomes permanent next summer.

What Fernandez brings to Manchester City

Fernandez gives City another technically gifted midfielder capable of operating in different roles across the middle of the pitch. His passing range, ability to progress possession and willingness to contribute defensively make him a potentially important component of Maresca's midfield rebuild.

The reunion with Maresca could also be significant. Fernandez was a regular presence during the Italian's spell at Chelsea and would arrive at City already familiar with the manager's tactical demands.

For Chelsea, meanwhile, the departure represents a major financial return on a player who arrived as one of the most expensive signings in British football history. For City, it represents another enormous investment as the club rebuilds a midfield that has lost several established names.

Fernandez's medical is now the next major step before the record-equalling transfer can be completed.

Key facts

• Player: Enzo Fernandez
• From: Chelsea
• To: Manchester City
• Reported fee: £125 million
• Previous club: Benfica
• Nationality: Argentina
• Expected next step: Medical
• City manager: Enzo Maresca
• Chelsea fee for Fernandez in 2023: £107 million

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