Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 2: Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a reported £125 million, matching the British transfer record and taking their spending during the summer transfer window to a Premier League-record £562.5 million.

The deal was finalised following negotiations between the two clubs over the past 24 hours, bringing an end to Fernandez’s three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107 million, which at the time was a British record transfer fee. His move to City now matches the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day last summer.

City’s spending this summer has surpassed Liverpool’s previous Premier League record of £415 million in a single transfer window. Despite the huge expenditure, the club have reportedly raised around £300 million through player sales.

Fernandez endured a difficult final period at Chelsea. He was booed by supporters during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and again when he came on as a substitute during Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham.

He was subsequently left out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton and their 4-3 Premier League win against Brighton. Reports from Argentina claimed Fernandez had requested to be left out of the squad as he sought a late move away from the club.

Following the completion of the transfer, Fernandez shared an emotional message for Chelsea supporters on Instagram, admitting that he had not been in a good place in recent days.

The World Cup winner said his time at Chelsea had been marked by a strong desire to win trophies and recalled both difficult moments and memorable victories during his spell at the club.

He added that Chelsea would always remain in his heart and described his departure as a difficult decision.

At Manchester City, Fernandez will reunite with manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Chelsea. Maresca is looking to strengthen his midfield following several departures during the summer.

City have also spent heavily on Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille for £86 million and Allan Elias for £34 million. The club further strengthened their attack by signing Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye for £70 million late in the transfer window.