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."

New spending record

Premier League clubs shattered the record of 3.1 billion pounds ($4.2 billion) in transfer fees in one window on deadline day after City splashed out for Fernandez and also signed Iliman Ndiaye.

City added Senegal forward Ndiaye from Everton in a deal worth 65 million pounds to bolster its forward options.

"I've worked my whole life for an opportunity like this," said Ndiaye.

"To be able to write my own chapter in a story that special is the chance of a lifetime, and I'm determined to grab it with both hands."

Chelsea's bid to replace Fernandez with Monaco's Lamine Camara collapsed when the French side reportedly pulled out of the deal.

The Blues did agree to a 40 million-pound deal to sign 18-year-old Honest Ahanor from Atalanta from 2027, with the Italy defender spending this season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Champion Arsenal, by contrast, had a quiet deadline day, after its pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez fizzled out.

The Gunners had been rivaling Barcelona for the Argentine's signature, but the Spanish champion instead turned to Arsenal to fill its need for a forward with the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

"I had a chance 10 years ago, and life took me in another direction, but now I can be here and it's a dream for me," said Jesus.

Liverpool splashed out on France forward Bradley Barcola on Monday, spending 123 million pounds to lure him from Paris Saint-Germain.

But the Reds' attempts to further add to their squad look to have been frustrated with bids for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh knocked back, meaning Cody Gakpo is set to stay, despite interest from City and Tottenham.

Liverpool did complete the signing of Belgian goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, but the 18-year-old will be loaned back to Genk for the rest of the season.

Ibrahim Mbaye was another wide player linked with a move to Anfield, but he has instead joined Aston Villa for a reported 47 million pounds.

Mbaye played 31 times in all competitions for PSG last season, as the French club won the Champions League and the Ligue 1 title.

Villa also bolstered its defense by signing Southampton centerback Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a 29 million-pound deal.

Tottenham secured a loan move for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk after missing out on Ndiaye and Gakpo, and a seven million-pound swoop for Mudryk's Blues teammate Tosin Adarabioyo.

Jack Grealish rejoined Everton on loan after his spell with David Moyes' men last season.

Everton is still hopeful of adding United States international Folarin Balogun from Monaco.

Newcastle landed Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for 51 million pounds.

The Magpies, who are rebuilding following the summer departures of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, have also sent German striker Nick Woltemade on loan to Juventus.

AFP