Manchester City completed its summer spending in lavish fashion as Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined for a reported British record-equalling GBP 125 million (USD 169.08 million) from Chelsea on Tuesday.
An hour after the 25-year-old posted a farewell message to Chelsea on social media, City confirmed that it had completed the deal, smashing its transfer record for the second time during the summer transfer window.
“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times,” Fernandez, who has signed a five-year contract, told City’s website. “Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
“I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.”
The deal was announced about 30 minutes after the window closed at 23:00 BST (2200 GMT).
Fernandez’s fee equals the British transfer record set when Liverpool signed Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United last year as City’s post-Pep Guardiola close-season rebuild reaches the £450 million mark.
City earlier this summer broke its own record for its most expensive transfer after it signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson in July for a fee of up to GBP 116 million.
Enzo was City’s second big deadline day signing after it paid GBP 65 million for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.
“I love to play with the ball on the floor in an attacking team that wants to score as many goals as possible. That’s why I know this is the perfect fit.”
Born in France, Ndiaye spent part of his childhood in Senegal. He joined Sheffield United, where he was named Player of the Year as it secured promotion to the Premier League in 2023.
He then spent a season with French club Olympique de Marseille before returning to England with Everton in 2024.
City has also signed Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for GBP 86 million as well as Brazilian winger Allan Elias for around EUR 40 million (USD 46.34 million).
City also offloaded several players in the close season, including Savio, Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, James Trafford and Nathan Ake, recouping around £280 million, while Bernardo Silva and John Stones left for free.
Published on Sep 02, 2026
