Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, with the Argentina international set to undergo his medical before completing the move on transfer deadline day. The fee matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last summer.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-British record £106.8 million, shortly after playing a starring role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph. He signed an unusually long contract at Stamford Bridge, but his Chelsea career has now come to an end after more than three seasons.
The move also reunites Fernandez with Enzo Maresca, who coached the midfielder at Chelsea. Maresca is now Manchester City's manager and has reportedly been
keen to bring the 25-year-old into his midfield plans. Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squads for their recent Carabao Cup and Premier League matches as the transfer negotiations intensified.
The Argentine arrives after making a significant impact at Chelsea. He developed into a more attack-minded midfielder under Maresca, while retaining his ability to dictate play from deeper positions.
Enzo Fernandez goes for British Record Fee
Enzo Fernandez's deal to Man City is now a joint British record fee as the player is sold for £125 million, which is the same as Liverpool's deal for Alexander Isak last season.
Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea spell became increasingly turbulent in 2026 as the midfielder made it clear he wanted to leave the club, with Real Madrid reported to be his preferred destination. His comments about his future prompted then-manager Liam Rosenior to drop him for two matches, saying the Argentine had "crossed a line" with his remarks.
The tension resurfaced during pre-season, when Fernandez was booed by sections of the Stamford Bridge crowd during Chelsea's friendly against Real Sociedad. The reaction came amid uncertainty over his future and growing speculation about a possible exit. The situation ultimately paved the way for the Argentine's deadline-day move to Manchester City.
