By Benson Daniel
Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández on transfer deadline day, in a move that would equal the British transfer record.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday, September 1, as clubs across the Premier League rushed to complete their final business before the transfer window closed. The deal for Fernández is understood to be a fixed £125 million fee, with no additional performance related clauses or add ons.
The transfer represents one of the biggest moves of the summer and marks a major statement of intent from Manchester City as they seek to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Fernández, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British record fee of around £106.8 million. The Argentina international quickly became an important figure at Stamford Bridge and has since established himself as one of the leading midfielders in the Premier League.
His performances during the 2025/26 season further increased his profile, with the midfielder contributing 15 goals and seven assists. He was also an influential member of Argentina’s squad during the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester City’s decision to invest such a significant amount in Fernández underlines the club’s determination to reinforce its midfield. The move is also expected to reunite the Argentine with City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Chelsea.
The £125 million fee places Fernández alongside Liverpool’s Alexander Isak as the joint most expensive transfer in British football history. It also makes the Argentine the first player to be involved in two transfers worth more than £100 million.
For Chelsea, however, the deal represents a significant change to their midfield structure. Fernández had become a central part of the club’s plans since arriving from Benfica, and his departure leaves the London side with limited time to secure a replacement before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea have reportedly been exploring midfield alternatives as they attempt to fill the gap created by Fernández’s departure. The club’s summer transfer activity has also been shaped by a number of major player sales.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have continued an aggressive recruitment drive during the current window. The club has already added several players and the Fernández deal takes its spending for the summer close to £400 million, although player sales have helped offset a substantial portion of the expenditure.
The agreement still requires the completion of the necessary formalities before Fernández can officially become a Manchester City player. Reports indicate that the midfielder is expected to undergo his medical as the clubs work to complete the transfer before the deadline.
If completed, Fernández will become one of the most expensive signings in Manchester City’s history and one of the highest valued players in world football.
His arrival is expected to add creativity, energy and attacking quality to City’s midfield as the club looks to challenge for major honours in the 2026/27 season.
Leave a comment