Manchester City have signed Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for £125 million. The transfer was confirmed on deadline day, with the fee equalling the British record.
The Argentine has signed a five-year contract. That brings the summer's longest transfer saga to an end – Fernández made it clear that he wanted to leave Chelsea more than three months ago.
Equalling the British record
£125 million is the highest fee paid by an English club, matching Liverpool's signing of Alexander Isak earlier this summer.
For Chelsea, the figures still make positive reading. The London club signed Fernández from Benfica for £107 million three and a half years ago, leaving them with a profit of around £18 million on a player who is now 25.
Reunited with Maresca
At the Etihad, Fernández will link up with a familiar manager. Enzo Maresca, who managed him at Chelsea, took over at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola confirmed in May that he was leaving the club.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this, because everyone knows how well run City are,” Fernández said following the move, according to Sky Sports. He added that he would give “absolutely everything” for the club.
Fernández also said goodbye to Chelsea supporters, describing the decision as difficult.
Close to falling through
The transfer almost collapsed at the very end. Chelsea had planned to replace Fernández with Lamine Camara, but Monaco pulled out of that deal in the final stages. Chelsea nevertheless chose to honour the sale.
Fernández had played for Chelsea since January 2023 and was a midfield regular throughout his time at the club.
Source: Sky Sports