The Argentina midfielder completed his move from Chelsea on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day, taking City’s spending to more than GBP 450 million — a Premier League record for a single transfer window. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-British record fee of GBP 107 million. His move to the Etihad matches the GBP 125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last year.
Enzo Fernandez said he “didn’t hesitate for a second” when Manchester City made contact in his first interview since joining the club for a British record-equalling transfer fee of GBP 125 million ($169 million).
“It’s a club… that has won a lot in recent years. It’s a club that is making history in football and, for me, it’s a huge challenge. “I had him at my previous club. They were incredible moments. I learned so much with him. He’s very similar to Latin people, very passionate.
Fernandez, sent off in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final in July, had been linked with a move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer transfer window.
Fernandez, who has signed a five-year deal, said he had “always dreamed of being at a club as big as City”. “To be honest, from the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” he added. Fernandez, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, said despite the churn at the Etihad, City were building an “incredible” team. “He is a top manager, honestly,” he said.
