Manchester City have reportedly agreed a blockbuster £125 million ($167 million) deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, a transfer that would equal the British record fee.
The Argentina international is said to be on the verge of completing his move to the Etihad Stadium on transfer deadline day, after City pursued the 25-year-old for several months.
If completed, Fernandez’s transfer would match the British record set last year when Liverpool paid Newcastle £125 million for Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
Fernandez previously worked with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea before the Italian manager left Stamford Bridge in January and took charge of Manchester City during the close-season.
Maresca reportedly identified Fernandez as a key target as City look to rebuild their midfield following the departure of World Cup winner Rodri to Barcelona, alongside Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.
Fernandez is expected to form part of a revamped City midfield alongside England international Elliot Anderson and Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Anderson joined City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, while Bouaddi reportedly cost £86 million, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
At Chelsea, manager Xabi Alonso left Fernandez out of the squad for the club’s last two matches amid growing speculation surrounding his future.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for £106 million in 2023. His time at Stamford Bridge has included several controversies, including reported interest in a move to Real Madrid, which previously resulted in him being dropped for two matches.
The midfielder has also attracted criticism for incidents involving the England national team, including a provocative celebration following Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Fernandez was sent off during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat against Spain in July.
Despite the controversies, the midfielder has enjoyed success at Chelsea, helping the club win the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.
His proposed move to Manchester City would represent one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history and could significantly reshape Pep Guardiola’s midfield options.
