Manchester City have completed one of the biggest transfers of the summer by signing Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for a reported £125 million, matching the British transfer record and making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.
The deal was completed on transfer deadline day after City pushed hard to secure the 25-year-old before the window closed. Fernández has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2031, while the move reunites him with City manager Enzo Maresca, who worked with the midfielder during his time at Chelsea.
The transfer marks a remarkable financial turnaround for Chelsea, who paid around £107 million to sign Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 following his impressive performances for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Just three years later, the London club have sold him for an even higher fee, making Fernández the first player to be transferred for more than £100 million on two separate occasions.
City’s £125 million package reportedly matches the British transfer record, underlining the club’s belief in Fernández and their determination to complete the deal before the deadline.
His arrival comes as Manchester City undergo a significant midfield rebuild under Maresca. With Rodri leaving for Barcelona and other experienced midfielders also departing, the new manager has been looking for a player capable of controlling the tempo, progressing possession and contributing in the final third.
Fernández fits that profile. During the 2025/26 season, he recorded 15 goals and seven assists, while also playing a key role for Argentina during their run to the 2026 World Cup final. His ability to operate as a deep-lying midfielder, a number eight or a more advanced playmaker gives Maresca several tactical options.
The signing also represents a major statement of intent from Manchester City. The club have already invested heavily in the squad during a summer of significant change, adding several new players as they look to rebuild and challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title.
Fernández now becomes one of the central figures in that rebuilding project. After losing the Community Shield to Arsenal earlier in the summer, City have responded aggressively in the transfer market, and the arrival of the Argentine gives Maresca an established midfield presence around which he can build his new-look side.
For Fernández, the move represents another extraordinary chapter in a career that has developed at remarkable speed. After emerging from River Plate, he made his name at Benfica before moving to Chelsea and establishing himself as a key figure for Argentina.
Now, at Manchester City, he faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career: becoming the creative and technical heartbeat of a team entering a new era.
The £125 million price tag will bring enormous expectations, but City will be hoping Fernández can turn the record-breaking investment into performances capable of driving the club back to the top of English football.
