2 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million, matching the British transfer record. Fernandez has signed a five-year contract with City, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez Matches British Transfer Record
The £125 million fee puts Fernandez level with Alexander Isak, whose move from Newcastle United to Liverpool set the British transfer record last summer.
The deal also makes Fernandez the first player to be transferred for more than £100 million twice, following his £106.7 million move from Benfica to Chelsea in January 2023.
Fernandez Reunites With Enzo Maresca
One of the biggest factors behind the move was Fernandez’s reunion with Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea manager.
Maresca is now in charge at Manchester City and was keen to bring the Argentine midfielder to the Etihad as part of a major reshaping of City’s midfield. Fernandez’s arrival gives City another experienced option after the departures of several midfielders during the summer.
A Major Summer Signing for Manchester City
Fernandez is one of several major additions made by Manchester City during an aggressive summer rebuild.
City’s spending reached around £458 million, a Premier League record for a single transfer window. The club also signed Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Iliman Ndiaye among other arrivals.
The spending reflects City’s determination to challenge for the Premier League title after finishing second to Arsenal last season.
Fernandez’s Chelsea Chapter Ends
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for what was then a British-record fee.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old made 170 appearances and scored 31 goals, while helping the club win the Conference League and Club World Cup.
His final months at Chelsea, however, became increasingly difficult as he pushed for a move away from the club.
Tensions With Chelsea Fans
Fernandez had faced criticism from some Chelsea supporters during the summer.
He was booed during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and again during Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham. He was subsequently left out of victories over Luton and Brighton.
In a farewell message, Fernandez acknowledged that his final days at the club had been difficult and thanked Chelsea, his teammates and supporters for their backing.
Chelsea Left Without Planned Replacement
The timing of Fernandez’s departure created an additional problem for Chelsea.
The London club had agreed a reported £47 million deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, who was intended to replace Fernandez. However, Monaco pulled out of the agreement at the last moment.