Fernandez completes move to Man City from Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez has joined Manchester City from Chelsea in a £125m deal.

The midfielder has been reunited with former Chelsea boss, and now City manager, Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m and he leaves for a joint-record British transfer fee, matching the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

On a lengthy post on social media, the Argentine World Cup-winning midfielder said: “Writing this is not easy. The truth is, I haven’t been in a good place.

“I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.

“But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because I am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way.

“Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family throughout these years. I will never forget it. You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea.”

Fernandez was not involved in the Premier League win over Brighton on Sunday or the Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town three days earlier – and it was clear he had probably made his final appearance for Chelsea.

The prospect of Fernandez staying at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly unlikely since the back end of last season, when he expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid in an ill-judged interview. He was axed from the Chelsea side as a result.

A move to Real never materialised and although he returned to play for the club during the run-in, a summer departure always seemed likely.