Enzo Fernandez has joined Manchester City from Chelsea for 125 million GBP (approximately 169 million USD), signing a five-year contract until summer 2031. The 25-year-old midfielder completed the move on 1/9, marking a significant step in his career.

Fernandez expressed his long-held ambition to play for a top club, stating, "I always dreamed of playing for a big club like Man City." He added, "Man City has been the most successful club in England in recent years. Every player wants to be part of this team because everyone knows how well Man City is run. I couldn't be happier to be here and am ready for the challenge of helping Man City continue to win titles. This club is built for success."

Enzo Fernandez photographed after completing his transfer to Man City on 1/9. *Photo: Man City*

The Argentine midfielder gained attention after joining Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for 135,5 million USD, setting an English transfer record at the time. During his 170 matches for Chelsea, he scored 31 goals and provided 30 assists, winning the FIFA Club World Cup and Conference League. Despite holding an irreplaceable role at Chelsea, Fernandez views his move to Man City as another major milestone, particularly after winning the 2022 World Cup with the Argentina national team.

Fernandez revealed that his decision to join Man City was swift. "From the first day they trusted me and called to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn't hesitate for a second," the player born in 2001 said. "This is a club making football history. For me, this is a huge challenge. My goal since Man City contacted me has been to come here, help the club, and continue to win titles together."

The transfer also reunites Fernandez with Enzo Maresca, Man City's new coach, who previously managed him at Chelsea for 18 months. Fernandez spoke highly of the Italian coach, noting his passion and significant role in his development. He also credited Maresca for being instrumental in bringing him to Man City through active discussions with the club.

Enzo Fernandez gives an interview on his Man City debut. *Photo: Man City*

Man City underwent a significant rebuild this summer, with Maresca taking over from Pep Guardiola. In addition to Fernandez, the club signed Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Allan, and Iliman Ndiaye for a total fee exceeding 550 million USD. Conversely, Man City parted ways with 11 first-team players, including stars like John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri. The club has won 20 titles in the last 10 seasons under Guardiola, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League, a history Fernandez believes demands continuous success.

Fernandez becomes the latest Argentine player to join Man City, following in the footsteps of club legends such as Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Pablo Zabaleta, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Martin Demichelis. The 25-year-old midfielder considers this a privilege and affirmed he will strive to continue the tradition of his compatriots, contributing to Man City achieving more success.

Man City posted a video announcing the completion of Enzo Fernandez's transfer. *Video: X / Man City*

At the Etihad Stadium, Fernandez will also reunite with compatriot Willy Caballero, currently an assistant coach, who made 48 appearances for the club. Caballero was previously a teammate of Maresca at Malaga and worked with both Maresca and Fernandez as an assistant at Chelsea. Fernandez maintains a close relationship with the former goalkeeper and is excited to reunite at the new team.

Football director Hugo Viana regards Fernandez as a quality addition to Man City, citing his versatile play, technical skill, physicality, and goal-scoring ability. At 25 years old, the Argentine midfielder has top-level experience and has won many titles, therefore he is expected to strengthen the team and help them continue to compete for championships.

Fernandez will wear the number 17 shirt at Man City, a number previously associated with Kevin de Bruyne for most of his decade at the club, and before him, Sun Jihai and Martin Petrov. Fernandez could make his debut when Man City faces newly promoted Coventry at home at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the Premier League on 5/9.

Hong Duy (according to Mancity.com)