Fernandez transfers to Man City from Chelsea in joint British record fee | Football News
Manchester City Signs Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for Record Fee
September 1, 2026
Manchester City has officially matched the British transfer record by signing Argentina international midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million ($169 million). The transfer was finalized on deadline day as the summer transfer window came to a close.
Fernandez, 25, played a significant role in Argentina’s journey to the final of the 2026 World Cup. His anticipated move away from Chelsea had been the subject of speculation for some time. The agreement between the two clubs reportedly came just hours before the window shut at 2200 GMT.
City confirmed the transfer via a video announcement on the social media platform X, noting that the fee is equal to the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer. However, as the deadline approached, uncertainty regarding the deal arose.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Fernandez bid farewell to Chelsea fans, acknowledging the challenges he faced during his time at the club. “I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me,” he wrote. He reflected on the deep connection he formed with Chelsea, stating, “Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family.”
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £106 million ($143.2 million) and contributed to the team’s victory in the UEFA Conference League in 2025, followed by a triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea, played a pivotal role in the acquisition after the club sold key midfielder Rodri to Barcelona. The addition of Fernandez enhances City’s midfield, which has seen the departures of Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders in recent months.
Fernandez will join fellow midfielders Elliot Anderson of England and Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco as part of City’s revamped squad, which has seen over £300 million ($405.4 million) spent on new signings.
In a statement upon completing the transfer, Fernandez expressed enthusiasm for joining City, recognizing the club’s reputation for success and quality. “Every player wants to be part of a club like this,” he said. “I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.”
Despite facing challenges during his time in London, including a brief fallout with Chelsea management over reported interest in joining Real Madrid, Fernandez had notable performances, scoring twice in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, including a crucial goal against England in the semi-finals. His World Cup journey concluded with a red card in the final, where Argentina lost 1-0.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, praised Fernandez’s abilities, describing him as a “complete midfielder” with a record of success at a young age. “To have played in two World Cup finals and won major trophies in multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism, and technical quality,” Viana stated. “We are delighted to bring him here and feel very strongly he will improve our team.”
