Enzo Fernandez takes parting shot at Chelsea after sealing Manchester City move

Enzo Fernandez completed his move to Manchester City on deadline day and wasted no time in distancing himself from Chelsea. The Argentine midfielder said he had always dreamed of playing for a club as big as City, a message Stamford Bridge will read as a farewell with a clear dig after two and a half seasons in London.

• Manchester City paid £125 million, matching the British transfer record.
• Fernandez said he had always dreamed of being at a club as big as City.
• His arrival completes a midfield revamp worth £326 million.
• The Argentine reunites with Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea manager.
• Chelsea won the Champions League twice but did not challenge for the Premier League during Fernandez's spell.

The Enzo Fernandez message that stings Chelsea

In his first words as a Manchester City player, the World Cup winner with Argentina did more than just thank the club for the opportunity. He explained that taking this step at 25 years old was a hugely emotional moment for him and his family, and that it was the football career he had always dreamed of.

"I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City. I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of. I'm so happy to be here, enjoying these first few hours I've had at the club."

The comparison between the two projects is unavoidable. Chelsea won two Champions League titles in recent seasons, twice as many as City, but during Fernandez's time in London they never truly competed for the Premier League title. That is the argument behind the Argentine's decision, having pushed for the move.

A record transfer to lead Manchester City's new midfield

The deal was completed for £125 million, the same figure that once set the British transfer record. City paid £107 million to Benfica in January 2023 to take him to Chelsea, which shows the financial leap involved in this move and the value the Manchester club places on the Argentine.

His arrival completes a deep midfield rebuild. Elliot Anderson had already joined for £116 million and Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85 million, taking the total investment in the centre of the park to £326 million during this window.

The demands of a club that must win everything

Fernandez also made clear what is expected of him in Manchester. He pointed out that City must win every trophy they compete for, and that in each tournament the goal is to compete and win. He justified it by appealing to the club's history, which demands that level of ambition.

That mentality fits with the project being built at the Etihad. The player himself welcomed the club's sporting direction and admitted he is really happy to see the squad being assembled this year.

The reunion with Enzo Maresca, key to the deal

In Manchester, Fernandez returns to work under Enzo Maresca, with whom he coincided at Chelsea. The Argentine made no secret that the Italian coach was decisive in getting the deal over the line and publicly thanked him for his efforts.

"We were both very eager for it to happen, because it wasn't easy for me to be here today. But I know he also made a big effort, speaking to the club, and I'm grateful that he did that. It was a long few days, but in the end I'm here and I'm very happy to be joining this club."

That backing from the dugout reinforces the sense that City have bet with conviction on a player who wanted a change of scenery and who already knows his new manager's methods. The adaptation, at least tactically, should be quicker than usual.

What Enzo Fernandez brings to Maresca's system

The Argentine arrives to take on a leading role in the engine room. His profile combines ball progression, work rate and late runs into the box, qualities he showed at Benfica and which made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the market after the World Cup in Qatar.

At Chelsea he produced flashes of his quality and a Club World Cup title, but without the competitive consistency a player of his ambition demanded. At City he finds a context designed to fight for everything, with a refreshed midfield and a coach who fully trusts him.

Frequently asked questions about Enzo Fernandez's move to Manchester City