Maresca confirms Fernandez will not captain Man City despite £125m arrival from Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez will not be part of Manchester City’s leadership group despite his £125m deadline-day move from Chelsea, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday. Ruben Dias will serve as City’s captain this season, followed by Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma in the hierarchy.

The decision marks a notable shift for Fernandez, who was one of Maresca’s captains during their time together at Stamford Bridge. Maresca was nonetheless effusive about the 25-year-old Argentina international, describing him as a “winner” and expressing delight at reuniting with the midfielder at the Etihad.

“When you belong to a squad, and a winning player arrives, you are always happy,” Maresca said. “I can promise you, the players ask me ‘is he coming?’ Because they want him to be with us.”

Maresca also confirmed that Fernandez is ready to make his debut against Coventry on Saturday, and credited the club’s ownership for completing the deal alongside fellow late arrival Iliman Ndiaye. “In the last days Iliman and Enzo arrive, and now the squad is complete. Now it’s time to work,” he added.

Fernandez’s departure from Chelsea came after he was left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad for matches against Luton and Brighton. The Chelsea head coach acknowledged the situation with measured words, praising Fernandez’s contribution while drawing a line under his time at the club.

“In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect,” Alonso said. “What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go.”