Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a joint-British record £125 million, taking their spending this window to a Premier League record £458 million.
The fee equals the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer. It is also City’s second club-record signing in two months. City have surpassed Liverpool’s previous £415m single-window record, although the champions have raised about £300m through player sales. The deal was agreed Tuesday after 24 hours of talks.
Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-British record £107m. He leaves after just over three years, having been linked with Real Madrid and facing growing fan anger. He was booed against Real Sociedad and Fulham, while he missed wins over Brighton and Luton after reports he asked to be left out.
Fernandez wrote on Instagram: “I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me,” adding that Chelsea would “always be in my heart”.
Chelsea had set an August 14 deadline for bids of at least £120m.
Fernandez reunites with City boss Enzo Maresca, who pushed for the move after City lost several midfielders.
He told City’s website: “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,” and added: “I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player. I give absolutely everything, and I can promise Manchester City that I will continue now I’m here.”
Fernandez is the fourth £100m-plus Premier League signing this summer. Chelsea paid £117m for Morgan Rogers, Liverpool £123m for Bradley Barcola, while City signed Elliot Anderson for £116m in July.
