Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina international midfielder Enzo Fernández from Chelsea in a joint British-record £125 million deal.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract with City, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga after he was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge throughout the summer.
The £125 million transfer sees Fernández match the British-record fee paid by Liverpool for Alexander Isak following his move from Newcastle United last year.
Fernández becomes City’s latest major midfield addition as new head coach Enzo Maresca continues the rebuilding of the club’s midfield following the departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
The World Cup winner spent just over three years at Chelsea after joining the London club from Benfica in 2023. He originally signed an eight-year contract with the Blues.
Speaking after completing his move, Fernández said he was delighted to join City and praised the club’s structure and ambition.
“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times,” he told the club’s official website.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are. I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies.”
Fernández added that he was eager to learn from his new teammates and continue improving his game.
“If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player. I pride myself on continually improving my game. Anyone who’s worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I’m here.”
The Argentine also thanked those involved in completing the transfer, including City’s sporting director Hugo Viana, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and other members of the club.
The move came after an emotional period for Fernández, who posted a statement on Instagram earlier on transfer deadline day saying he had “not been in a good place”.
“I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me,” he wrote. “Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven’t been in a good place.”
He also acknowledged his strong connection with Chelsea, despite deciding to leave the club.
” I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart,” Fernández said.
Fernández becomes City’s latest big-money midfield signing following the arrivals of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
The Argentine’s arrival is expected to play a key role in City’s efforts to reshape their midfield and maintain their position among England’s leading clubs.
