Manchester City have completed one of the biggest transfers of the summer, signing Enzo Fernández from Chelsea in a £125 million deal on Deadline Day.
City officially confirmed the transfer shortly after the window closed on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Argentina midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium and reunites with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea.
The £125 million fee equals the British transfer record set when Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in 2025. It also breaks Manchester City’s club record for the second time this summer after they paid up to £116 million for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in July.
Fernández becomes the first player in football history to be transferred for more than £100 million twice. Chelsea originally signed him from Benfica for £106.8 million in January 2023, which was itself a British record at the time.
Fernández Reunites With Enzo Maresca at Manchester City
Maresca’s presence provides an important connection for Fernández.
The pair worked together at Chelsea before Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January. Fernández established himself as an important midfielder during that period, with his passing range, ability to progress possession and intelligence around the penalty area giving Maresca a player capable of influencing different phases of the game.
Fernández made clear that he wanted the Manchester City move once negotiations accelerated. Chelsea were prepared to sell for the right price, and direct talks between the clubs intensified during the final hours of the window.
He had played in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham but was subsequently absent against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup and Brighton in the league. Before City’s announcement, Fernández posted a farewell message to Chelsea supporters on social media.
Fernández leaves Chelsea after winning the 2024-25 Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
City’s Midfield Rebuild Continues After Rodri Departure
Fernández arrives as another major component of City’s midfield reconstruction following Rodri’s departure.
Manchester City had already invested heavily in the position. Anderson arrived for up to £116 million, while City also signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £86 million.
Fernández gives Maresca another midfielder capable of controlling possession while also playing progressively through pressure.
His technical qualities should complement Anderson particularly well. Anderson can provide athleticism, ball carrying and defensive intensity, while Fernández can dictate tempo from deeper positions or move forward to become involved around the penalty area.
Fernández recorded a career-high 10 goals and four assists during the 2025-26 season, demonstrating the increased attacking influence he developed during his final full campaign at Chelsea.
He also entered the summer after representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, scoring twice in seven appearances as his country reached the final.
City Take Summer Spending Toward £450 Million
Fernández’s arrival takes Manchester City’s summer spending to approximately £450 million as the club continues its major post-Pep Guardiola rebuild under Maresca.
City also completed a £65 million move for Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on Deadline Day, adding another attacking option to a squad that has undergone substantial changes.
The Fernández transfer stands above the rest financially.
At £125 million, City have matched the British transfer record to reunite Maresca with one of his former Chelsea midfielders while adding another World Cup winner to their squad.
Fernández leaves Stamford Bridge three and a half years after arriving for a British-record fee. He departs for an even larger one, with Manchester City paying £125 million to make him the centerpiece of their rebuilt midfield.
