City secures Fernandez in EPL record transfer deal

Manchester City signed Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea on Tuesday in a reported 125 million-pound deal ($167 million), equaling the British transfer record.

The fee for the Argentine international matches that paid by Liverpool to Newcastle for Sweden striker Alexander Isak last year.

City boss Enzo Maresca worked with Fernandez at Chelsea, before taking on the daunting task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

The Italian was a driving force behind the deal to land Fernandez after the recent sale of influential World Cup winner Rodri to Barcelona, as well as the departures of fellow midfielders Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.

The 25-year-old will partner England international Elliot Anderson and Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi in City's revamped central midfield, which is worth around 300 million pounds.

"Every player wants to be part of a club like this, because everyone knows how well-run City are," said Fernandez in a City statement.

"This is a club built for success. If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player."

Fernandez won the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup during his time at Chelsea, but his relationship with the club's fans was soured by what they perceived as his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had left Fernandez out of his squad for the last two games, as speculation swirled over his potential switch to City.

"I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven't been in a good place," Fernandez said in a lengthy farewell post to Chelsea fans on Instagram.

"Life is about making decisions, and, right now, I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions."

Fernandez, who signed for Chelsea from Benfica for 106 million pounds in 2023, angered the Blues last season by expressing interest in joining Real Madrid and was dropped for two matches as a result. He scored twice in Argentina's run to the World Cup final, including a stunning strike against England in the semifinal.

But his tournament ended with a red card in the final against Spain, as Argentina was beaten 1-0 and failed to retain its status as world champion.

"He is a complete midfielder: technically gifted, hardworking, tenacious and a goalscorer," said City's director of football Hugo Viana.

"To have played in two World Cup finals and won major trophies in multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism and technical quality.

"We are delighted to bring him here and feel very strongly he will improve our team."