Manchester City adds Enzo Fernandez to complete summer spending spree
The 25-year-old becomes the first player to be sold for more than £100 million twice in his career and will also be reunited with City coach Enzo Maresca.
Manchester City's £125 million deal for midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea marks the club's second record transfer fee this summer, following the £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson. The transfer window saw numerous obstacles and deadlines before the deal was finalized, despite the backdrop of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's acrimonious appointment as City's manager.
City's perseverance in securing Fernandez showcases their faith in both the player and the manager, as he becomes the first player in football history to move for more than £100 million twice after joining Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million in 2023. The 25-year-old joins a unique trio of players with the record, alongside Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand.
The deal comes after Maresca apologized to Chelsea for his mid-season departure, and the Italian manager sought Fernandez's trust and familiarity with his playing style. Fernandez's arrival fills a significant gap in City's midfield, having lost Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Rodri this summer, with Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland leading the leadership group.
Though City won the domestic cup double under Pep Guardiola's final season, they fell short in the Premier League and Champions League, and Maresca will now face pressure to improve on those results.
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