Man City sign Enzo Fernandez for £125m in record deal

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in a transfer worth £125m, matching a joint British-record figure, according to Sky Sports. The Argentine midfielder has agreed a five-year contract at the Etihad.

As Sky Sports reports, the fee ties the amount Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak on Deadline Day a year ago, giving the move immediate weight in the Premier League market. It’s a clear statement of intent from City as they build for the toughest phase of the campaign.

Deal completed after late turmoil

The transfer comes amid Chelsea’s anger following Monaco pulling out of a deal to sell Lamine Camara in the final minutes of the window, a move that was seen as a possible replacement for Fernandez. Sky Sports adds that Chelsea had the option to call off the Fernandez-to-City deal once the Camara situation collapsed, but they decided to honour their commitment and see the deal through.

What it means for both clubs

Fernandez’s move follows more than three months after the Argentina international first told Chelsea he wanted to leave, and more than two weeks after the club set a deadline for bids, per Sky Sports. The report also notes that Chelsea will bank a £18m profit, having signed him for £107m about three and a half years earlier.

In comments after the switch, Fernandez said, as quoted by Sky Sports, “Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.”