Manchester City are on the verge of pulling off a dramatic coup by signing Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández from rivals Chelsea for a remarkable £150m. In what is one of the biggest deals ever to occur in Premier League history, the signing will ensure the defending Premier League champions have further control in the midfield department and further assert their dominance.
Fernandez landed on English shores for the first time in January 2023, joining from Benfica for a then British-record fee of 106.8m at Stamford Bridge. His immediate command in Chelsea’s midfield was a testament to his calibre, though the chance to work under technical guru Guardiola at Man City ultimately won him over. The negotiations started seriously over the course of last week; both clubs were desperate to come to terms – but were equally happy that the structured deal put money in Chelsea’s books and allowed the former River Plate man to reach his favoured sporting project.
Guardiola’s Manchester City were desperately looking to add creative vision, composure and an elite range of passing to their engine room with the signature of the 2022 World Cup winner. He will provide the leadership and dictate terms in midfield to Guardiola and remain effective under high-pressure and in interplay. A long-term deal is anticipated to be offered by Manchester when the deal is officialized after he has completed a medical.
It is a bitter taste in the mouth for Chelsea, who are letting go of a world-class star. The cash infusion of £150m will also give the Stamford Bridge club leverage in the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), making it simpler to invest in other tactical departments at the club. This astonishing deal of £150m sets a real statement for both Premier League behemoths ahead of what should be a historic season.
Source: The Guardian / Hindustan Times / ESPN / RMC Sport
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