Fernandez: The Most Expensive Deal in the English League
Manchester City has made Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández the most expensive player in English Premier League history, announcing his signing from London rivals Chelsea on a five-year deal in a transfer valued at £125 million ($167 million), thereby matching the British record in the transfer market. This figure equals the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle United last year to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
City’s new Italian manager, Enzo Maresca, previously worked with Fernández at Chelsea before taking on the difficult task of succeeding Spaniard Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian coach played a key role in finalizing the deal for Fernández, following the recent loss of influential World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder Rodri to Barcelona, as well as the departures of his midfield colleagues, Portuguese star Bernardo Silva, fellow Spaniard Nico González, and Dutch international Tjennings Reijnders.
The 25-year-old will play alongside England international Elliott Anderson and new signing Moroccan Ayoub Bouaddi in City’s reshaped midfield, which has cost over £300 million.
In a statement issued by City, Fernández said: “Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows City’s good management. It is a club built for success. If you look at the squad, you will find that City has quality in every position. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.”
Fernández won the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Chelsea, but his relationship with the club’s fans was damaged by what they perceived as his desire to leave Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s new manager, Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, excluded the Argentine from his squad in the last two matches amid growing speculation about a potential move to City.
Fernández wrote in a lengthy farewell post on Instagram to Chelsea: “I want you to know that the last few days have not been easy for me. Writing these words is not easy either. The truth is that I was not in a good position.” He added: “Life is about decisions, and I now find myself forced to make one of these difficult decisions.”
Fernández joined Chelsea from Portuguese club Benfica for £106 million in 2023. Last season, he angered the London club after expressing his desire to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, which led to his exclusion from two matches. The controversial star was also sent off during Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final last July. He also sparked outrage among English fans due to his provocative celebration after his national team defeated England, managed by German coach Thomas Tuchel, in the World Cup semi-finals.
Fernández scored two goals during Argentina’s run to the North American World Cup final, one of them against England in the semi-final.
