Manchester City sign Enzo Fernandez in joint-record £125m deadline-day transfer

Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in a joint-record £125m transfer on a five-year contract.

The 25-year-old midfielder finalised the move late on transfer deadline day, joining his former manager Enzo Maresca at Manchester City ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Fernandez had been a target for the Citizens after City sold two of their leading midfielders. Rodri moved to Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva joined Real Madrid, creating a significant change in the club’s midfield options.

The transfer makes Fernandez one of the most expensive players in football history. It is also a record-breaking move for the Argentina international, who becomes the first footballer to have transferred for more than £100m on two separate occasions.

His first move above that mark came when he joined the Premier League from Benfica for £106.8m. His switch from Chelsea to Manchester City, worth £125m, matches the existing record for a transfer completed on deadline day.

Fernandez leaves Chelsea after making 170 appearances for the club. During his time there, he scored 31 goals and contributed 30 assists.

He also helped Chelsea win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League before completing his move to Manchester City.

“I could not be happier to be here,” said Fernandez after his unveiling.

“And I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success. 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 give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that I will continue now I’m here.”

The deal reunites Fernandez with Maresca, who is now in charge of Manchester City after previously working with the midfielder at Chelsea.

City’s recruitment of Fernandez follows a major reshaping of their midfield before the new campaign. The departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively had left the club needing to replace two established players, with Fernandez identified as a priority target.

His arrival gives Manchester City a player with considerable Premier League experience, following his three-year spell at Chelsea. He will now begin the next stage of his career at a club whose stated aim, according to the player, is continued success and the winning of further trophies.

The transfer was completed just before the deadline, bringing an end to negotiations that had continued into the final day of the window. Fernandez will now link up with his new team-mates and former manager as Manchester City prepare for the 2026/27 season.