Enzo Fernandez: Manchester City preparing opening bid for Chelsea midfielder

City have already broken their transfer record during this window by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

Manchester City's midfield rebuild

Four midfielders have left Manchester City. Tijjani Reijnders was sold to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, while Rodri joined Barcelona for £65 million.

Newcastle agreed a £52 million deal for Nico Gonzalez, while Bernardo Silva joined Real Madrid after leaving City earlier this summer.

Enzo Fernandez's situation at Chelsea

Fernandez's situation at Chelsea dates back to the club's Champions League elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in March. He has since become increasingly critical of Chelsea.

In July, new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said he had spoken privately with Fernandez but did not disclose what they discussed.

Fernandez and his agent Javier Pastore, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, sought interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish club issued a statement denying that it was trying to sign him.

Chelsea's previous major fees

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107 million.

Chelsea's previous record sale was Eden Hazard's 2019 move to Real Madrid, a deal that could reach around £150 million with performance-related bonuses.

1. 2019
   Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid in a deal potentially worth around £150 million with bonuses.
2. 2023
   Enzo Fernandez leaves Benfica for Chelsea in a £107 million transfer.
3. March
   Chelsea are eliminated by PSG in the Champions League before Fernandez becomes increasingly critical of the club.
4. July
   Xabi Alonso says he held a private conversation with Fernandez.
5. Next week
   Manchester City are expected to make another attempt before the transfer deadline.

Frequently asked questions

26 August 2026 at 09:30

26 August 2026 at 05:14