Man City to make offer for £120m-rated Fernandez
August 26, 2026 11:55
Manchester City are preparing an opening bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who has been identified by new City manager Enzo Maresca as a priority midfield signing. Chelsea had sought at least £120m for Fernández and set an informal deadline for a deal earlier in the summer; that date has now passed.
Despite the missed deadline, City are reported to be ready to press again and are expected to try to complete a move for the 25-year-old before next week’s transfer deadline.
KEY CONTEXT
- Fernández, signed by Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107m, has been Chelsea’s vice-captain since 2024.
- Manager Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day and joined Manchester City in June; Fernández is said to maintain a positive relationship with him.
- Chelsea’s squad has seen several midfield departures this summer, including Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah (£52m), Rodri to Barcelona (£65m), Nico González to Newcastle (£52m) and Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid.
- City have already spent heavily this window, paying £116m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
WHY IT MATTERS
A transfer for Fernández would be among the priciest in Premier League history — potentially behind Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak — and could represent a second new club record for City in the same window if their spending continues. The move would also be significant for Chelsea given Fernández’s status at the club and the substantial fee Chelsea previously paid to acquire him.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester City submit a formal bid and if it meets Chelsea’s previously stated minimum valuation of £120m.
- Whether a deal can be concluded before next week’s transfer deadline.
- Any official confirmations or statements from the clubs involved.
KEY FACTS
- Enzo Fernández is 25 and has been Chelsea vice-captain since 2024.
- Chelsea paid £107m to sign Fernández from Benfica in 2023.
- Chelsea had set an unofficial minimum fee of £120m for Fernández; that deadline has passed.
- Manchester City have already paid £116m for Elliot Anderson this window.
- Several Chelsea midfielders have left this summer: Reijnders (£52m), Rodri (£65m), Nico González (£52m) and Bernardo Silva.