Manchester City have agreed a joint-British record fee of £125 million with Chelsea for midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Argentina international is set to undergo a medical ahead of a move that reunites him with manager Enzo Maresca on deadline day.
What Happened?
City and Chelsea reached agreement on deadline day after talks intensified over the previous 24 to 48 hours. The fee matches the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last year, making it a joint-British transfer record. Fernandez has been given permission to have a medical before finalising a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The move comes more than three months after Fernandez first told Chelsea he wanted to leave, and weeks after the club’s self-imposed August 13 deadline for bids passed without an offer arriving in time. Chelsea had set an asking price of around £120m; City’s final offer is understood to have come in roughly £5m above that figure.
Latest Update
According to reporting from the Press Association, ESPN and Reuters, formal contact between the clubs began on Monday evening, with the deal moving quickly through deadline day on Tuesday, September 1. Fernandez has been cleared to undergo his medical, with the transfer window closing at 23:00 BST.
The 25-year-old had fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks. He was left out of Chelsea’s last two matchday squads by head coach Xabi Alonso, who said he wanted players with a clear desire to play for the club, and he was booed by supporters during a preseason friendly and the club’s Premier League opener.
Why It Matters
For Fernandez: The move ends a difficult stretch in London and reunites him with Maresca, who managed him during an 18-month spell at Chelsea and with whom he is understood to have a close working relationship.
For Man City: The signing adds another major midfield addition to a summer that has already included Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, strengthening City’s engine room as they look to respond to a difficult 2025-26 campaign.
For Chelsea: The club recoups a fee above their valuation on a player signed from Benfica for £106.8m in 2023, and the Athletic has reported they are exploring replacements including Roma’s Manu Kone and Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
For fans: A deadline-day move of this size, matching the British transfer record, is likely to dominate discussion around both clubs as the new Premier League season gets underway.
What Happens Next?
Fernandez is expected to complete his medical before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening. Once formalities are finished, City are expected to confirm the signing officially, with Chelsea then free to turn their attention to a possible replacement in midfield before business for the window closes.
Key Facts
- Manchester City have agreed a £125m fee with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez.
- The fee equals the British transfer record set by Liverpool’s signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
- Fernandez has been given permission to undergo a medical ahead of signing.
- The move reunites him with manager Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea boss.
- Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-record £106.8m.
- Chelsea are said to be exploring midfield replacements, including Manu Kone and Lamine Camara.
- The deal was completed on Premier League deadline day, September 1.
FAQ
What is Enzo Fernandez’s transfer fee to Manchester City?
Manchester City have agreed to pay £125 million, a fee that equals the British transfer record.
Has the transfer been officially completed?
As of deadline day, Fernandez has been cleared to undergo a medical; official confirmation from the clubs is expected once that is completed.
Why is Fernandez leaving Chelsea?
Reports indicate he told Chelsea months ago that he wanted to leave, and he had recently been left out of matchday squads and booed by sections of the Chelsea support.
Who is Man City’s manager, and does he know Fernandez?
Enzo Maresca manages Manchester City and previously coached Fernandez during his time at Chelsea.
How does this fee compare to other British transfer records?
It matches the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak, which was previously the sole record holder.
