Manchester City Signs Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for €140M on Deadline Day

Record-Breaking Fee Brings Midfielder to Manchester

The reported 140 million euro base fee makes Fernández the most expensive initial transfer fee of the summer window. It eclipses the previous mark set earlier in the window when Chelsea acquired Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for 138 million euros.

Fernández is expected to sign a contract with City running until 2031, cementing a long-term commitment in the club’s engine room.

Rebuilding the Midfield After Rodri’s Exit

This massive outlay comes on the heels of another significant midfield acquisition. Just days prior, Manchester City announced the signing of 18-year-old Moroccan prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi from French side OSC Lille for 100 million euros.

These additions directly address the vacant midfield role left by Spain World Cup winner Rodri. Rodri departed for FC Barcelona roughly two weeks prior in a deal reported at approximately 76.5 million euros.

A Historic Spending Spree at Etihad Stadium

With the acquisition of Fernández and Bouaddi, Manchester City’s total spending for the summer window reaches roughly 450 million euros. This marks the most expensive transfer window in the club’s history.

Fernández originally moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 from Benfica for 121 million euros. During his tenure with Chelsea, he made 170 appearances, scoring 31 goals, providing 30 assists, and capturing both the Conference League title and the inaugural Club World Cup.

Chelsea Eyes Replacements as Deadline Looms

On the other side of the transaction, Chelsea intends to reinvest the incoming funds into the transfer market.

Reports indicate the Stamford Bridge club is targeting AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné as a replacement, with a projected cost of around 60 million euros.

While widespread reporting outlines these agreements ahead of the Premier League midnight transfer window closure, official club confirmations remain pending.