Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a joint-British record £125 million fee, ending one of the longest transfer sagas of the summer. The Argentina midfielder was a major target for City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea. The deal was completed on transfer deadline day after weeks of negotiations, changing valuations and strict deadlines. Fernandez now returns to work under Maresca as City continue their major midfield rebuild. Why Did City Sign Fernandez?Manchester City pushed strongly for Fernandez because Maresca viewed the midfielder as an important addition to his revamped squad. City ultimately agreed to pay £125 million, matching the British transfer record set by Liverpool for Alexander Isak. The move also makes Fernandez the first footballer to complete two transfers worth more than £100 million.Fernandez joined Manchester City from Chelsea.The transfer fee is a joint-British record £125 million.Enzo Maresca was a key factor behind the move.Fernandez previously played under Maresca at Chelsea.City have continued a major midfield rebuild this summer. A Long Transfer BattleThe negotiations became complicated after Chelsea set a £120 million valuation deadline in August. When no club met that figure by the deadline, Chelsea were later understood to be seeking even more for their midfielder. City initially indicated they could walk away rather than meet the higher price.City eventually returned with a £125 million proposal on deadline day, which Chelsea accepted. The final agreement gave Chelsea £5 million more than their earlier £120 million valuation, while City secured the player Maresca wanted. Fernandez's departure also created late drama at Chelsea. The London club attempted to bring in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a replacement in a reported £47 million deal. However, Monaco withdrew from the agreement late in the window, leaving Chelsea without the planned replacement. Also Read: Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina After Historic 21-Year International CareerFernandez Makes Transfer HistoryThe 25-year-old midfielder originally joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for around £107 million. His £125 million move to City now makes him the first player in football history to move for more than £100 million on two separate occasions. He also joins Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand as players who have broken the British transfer record twice during the Premier League era. City have already spent heavily during the summer, with Fernandez following Elliot Anderson's £116 million arrival and other midfield additions. Reuters reported that City's total summer spending reached about £458 million, the highest among Premier League clubs during the window. Key HighlightsManchester City signed Enzo Fernandez for £125 million.The fee matches the British transfer record.Fernandez reunites with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Chelsea could not complete their planned replacement deal for Lamine Camara.Fernandez becomes the first player to move for more than £100 million twice.City's summer spending reached around £458 million. City Back Maresca With Major SigningEnzo Fernandez's move represents a major show of support for Maresca as Manchester City reshape their midfield. The club overcame a long negotiation, changing demands and deadline pressure to secure the Argentina international. For Chelsea, the transfer brought significant revenue but also left them without the replacement they had hoped to sign. Fernandez now begins a new chapter at City with expectations that his experience and midfield quality will strengthen Maresca's plans.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only. Transfer fees and financial figures are reported based on available information and may vary depending on add-ons and final accounting.
