Manchester City agree £125m deal for Enzo Fernandez to equal British transfer record

Manchester City have agreed a £125million deal with Chelsea for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, a fee that would equal the British transfer record and represent the centrepiece of a sweeping summer midfield rebuild at the Etihad.

The 25-year-old Argentina international had made clear his desire to depart Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea held firm on their valuation, insisting on a minimum of £120million and requiring a replacement to be secured before sanctioning any sale. Those conditions have now been met, with the two clubs reaching an agreement.

Fernandez’s arrival would cap a dramatic overhaul of City’s midfield under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The club have already brought in Elliot Anderson for £116million and Ayyoub Bouaddi for £81million this window, while losing Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.

The Fernandez deal is not expected to be City’s only significant deadline-day business. The club have also agreed a fee of £60million — with a further £5million in add-ons — to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.

On the outgoing side, Jack Grealish is set to return to Everton on loan, having spent last season at Goodison Park. Fringe players Claudio Echeverri and Juma Bah are also expected to depart on temporary deals before the window closes.