Manchester City signed star midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea on Tuesday, confirming the anticipated move shortly after the summer transfer window officially closed at 6 p.m. ET.
The deal is worth £125 million, matching a British transfer record, reports The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Fernandez signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
"Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times," the Argentine said in a statement. "Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
"I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success."
Introducing our new Argentinian Blue 🇦🇷🩵 pic.twitter.com/nEHQ1oM855
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 1, 2026
Manchester City have been aggressively searching for more midfielders since losing Rodri to Barcelona. Fellow midfielders Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez also left this summer.
The Citizens have revamped their midfield, also striking blockbuster deals for Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi earlier this summer.
The relationship between Fernandez and Chelsea - now under the watch of manager Xabi Alonso - grew strained in recent weeks. The 25-year-old was also linked to Real Madrid. He originally joined the Blues in 2023 from Benfica for a then-British-record transfer fee worth £106.8 million.
Fernandez played 25 minutes during Chelsea's Premier League opener but was left out of the squad for the team's two most recent matches, which came against Luton Town (EFL Cup) and Brighton & Hove Albion.
New Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca worked with Fernandez at Chelsea in 2024 and '25.
Fernandez has also been key to Argentina's success in recent years. He helped the Albiceleste reach two World Cup finals, and the team lifted the trophy in 2022. However, he was sent off during the 2026 title match against Spain.
The reported fee Man City paid for Fernandez matches what Liverpool spent to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer.
