Enzo Fernandez equalls British transfer record with £125m Manchester City move from Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez has completed a £125m move to Manchester City from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, equalling the British transfer record and completing a £326m overhaul of City’s midfield.

The Argentina World Cup winner, 25, had spent two years at Stamford Bridge after joining Chelsea in January 2023 for £107m — a fee that had previously set the British record. During that spell he helped the club win the Club World Cup, but Chelsea did not challenge for the Premier League title in his time there.

Speaking after completing the move, Fernandez made little secret of his ambitions. “I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of. I’m so happy to be here.”

He also set out his expectations for what City must deliver. “Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for. In every competition we play in, we have to compete and win, because this club’s history demands that.”

Fernandez arrives as the third major midfield signing of the summer, following Elliot Anderson for £116m and Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85m — a combined outlay of £326m in that position alone.

“The team City are building this year is incredible, and it makes me really happy that they are going in that direction,” Fernandez added.

The former Benfica player has been reunited with Enzo Maresca, who managed him at Chelsea before taking charge at City, and credited the Italian with making the transfer happen. “We were both very eager for it to happen, because it wasn’t easy for me to be here today,” Fernandez said. “But I know he also made a big effort, speaking to the club, and I’m grateful that he did that. It was a long few days, but in the end I’m here and I’m very happy to be joining this club.”