Manchester City officially sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Manchester City have completed a reported £125 million move for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández, matching the record for the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.

City announced the 25-year-old’s arrival on Wednesday morning in Indonesia time. The fee exceeds the £120 million Chelsea had previously set for Fernández and is about £5 million higher than that asking price. The amount matches the fee Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak in the previous summer transfer window.

Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023 for £107 million. His departure follows several weeks of tension with parts of the Chelsea support. He was booed during a preseason match against Real Sociedad and again in the opening Premier League game against Fulham.

Chelsea’s new coach, Xabi Alonso, also left Fernández out of the squad for the Carabao Cup match against Luton Town. The decision reportedly followed a discussion between the coach and player, with both agreeing that Fernández should not be selected.

His wish to leave had already emerged last season. After Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, Fernández said he did not know whether he would remain at Stamford Bridge the following season. His situation attracted further attention after former Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior dropped him for two matches following an interview that fueled speculation about his future. In that interview, Fernández spoke about his affection for Madrid amid reports of Real Madrid’s interest.

City’s move now gives the Argentine midfielder a new club, while Chelsea have reportedly begun looking for a replacement. The London club is said to have reached a €55 million agreement with Monaco for an unnamed player.