Manchester City has completed a blockbuster intra-league deal on transfer deadline day, securing midfielder Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for a reported record sum between 140 million and 145 million euros, according to coverage from outlets including The Athletic, Sky, and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Argentina international and World Cup finalist signed a long-term contract running until 2031, with the club officially confirming the arrival as one of the window’s most significant moves.
Record-Breaking Transfer Details and Contract Length
The agreement brings an end to Fernández’s stint in West London, where he had played since moving from Benfica in 2023 for a reported 121 million euros. According to reports from The Athletic, Sky, and Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City agreed to pay an astronomical fee ranging between 140 million and 145 million euros to finalize the transfer. The 25-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a deal tying him to Etihad Stadium through the summer of 2031. “If you do not look at the squad, City has quality everywhere,” Fernández told club media regarding his decision to join Englands runners-up. “I could not be happier to be here.”
Reunion with Enzo Maresca and Recent Silverware
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Fernández established himself as a central figure under coaching guidance, helping the Blues lift both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. That success came under former coach Enzo Maresca, whose career trajectory now intersects with the midfielder once more. Following Maresca’s appointment as Manchester City manager starting with the 2026–2027 season as the successor to Pep Guardiola, the Italian tactician inherits a familiar engine-room orchestrator capable of immediately slotting into City’s tactical setup.
Deadline Day Addition of Iliman Ndiaye
Fernández was not the only late addition to arrive at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening. Manchester City also bolstered their attacking options by securing winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. The 26-year-old international agreed to a contract also running until 2031. According to reporting from The Athletic, City transferred a fee of approximately 75 million euros to Everton to secure the signature of the dynamic forward, capping a frantic conclusion to the transfer window for the club’s recruitment department.
Broader Transfer Market Context
The dramatic flurry of late business also saw movement across other prominent European leagues and clubs. In concurrent deadline-day activity, forward Nick Woltemade completed a temporary switch, joining Italian giants Juventus on a loan basis. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund moved quickly to secure alternative reinforcements in the attacking midfield sector to find a replacement for Konstantelias, addressing immediate squad needs as the European transfer window closed.
