Manchester City Pursues Enzo Fernandez as Transfer Window Closes
Throughout the summer transfer window, Manchester City has been linked with players that Enzo Maresca worked with during his tenure as Chelsea manager. The most recent player under consideration is Enzo Fernandez. According to a report by The Athletic, City holds a strong interest in acquiring the skilled and dynamic midfielder. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Maresca is keen to reunite with Fernandez at Manchester City, emphasizing his familiarity with what the player could bring to the team in terms of both skill and personality. This raises hopes that the prospect of signing Enzo Fernandez may not be as unrealistic as previously believed.
Maresca’s Long-Standing Interest in Fernandez
Fabrizio Romano reports that Enzo Maresca has actively sought to bring Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City since the summer transfer window opened. Romano notes that this pursuit began before Barcelona’s intent to sign Rodri was publicly known. However, the transfer will largely depend on Chelsea’s asking price, which is set at £120 million. Chelsea is reportedly open to retaining Fernandez for another season should they not receive an acceptable offer.
In a separate update, Romano stated that Manchester City has reached out to Fernandez’s representatives. He reiterated that City’s efforts are contingent upon Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate on their set asking price. Manchester City aims to kickstart discussions with Chelsea to facilitate a potential agreement for Fernandez.
Understanding Fernandez’s Contribution
Enzo Fernandez appeared in 79 matches across all competitions during his time at Chelsea under Maresca, scoring 15 goals and providing 19 assists. Given his experience with Fernandez, Maresca is well-equipped to evaluate how the midfielder would contribute to the squad, both on the field and in the dressing room.
Concerns exist regarding Fernandez’s off-field persona, especially following his involvement in a scandal involving racist and homophobic slurs after Argentina’s victory in the Copa America in 2024. Additionally, he drew criticism for a provocative social media post that labeled him a “World Cup villain” after Argentina’s semi-final win against England. While his reputation has sparked debate, it is clear that Fernandez remains a polarizing figure in football.
Conclusion
Enzo Maresca continues to express enthusiasm for integrating Enzo Fernandez into his squad at Manchester City. The main hurdle appears to be Chelsea’s valuation, which poses a significant obstacle to the potential transfer. Nevertheless, if the move materializes, Maresca would undoubtedly be aware of the type of talent and character he would be adding to his team. The question remains whether Manchester City will proceed with plans to enhance their midfield dynamic with the addition of Fernandez.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Manchester City have been linked with moves for players that Enzo Maresca worked with during his time as Chelsea manager. The latest of those players is Enzo Fernandez. The Athletic reported earlier today that City have a strong interest in signing the combative, feisty and technically gifted midfielder. Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Maresca is eager to reunite with Enzo Fernandez at Manchester City. Maresca knows Fernandez extremely well in terms of what he would add to his squad as a player and in terms of his personality. Perhaps, the chance of City signing Enzo Fernandez isn’t as far-fetched as first thought.
Enzo Maresca has had his eyes on signing Enzo Fernandez from the beginning of this summer’s transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Enzo Maresca has been eager to bring Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City since this summer’s transfer window opened. Furthermore, Romano reports that this was the case before Barcelona made their move to sign Rodri. However, it is also reported that the deal hinges on Chelsea’s asking price to sell the Argentinian international. Chelsea have set the fee at £120 million to sell Enzo Fernandez and they would be happy to keep Fernandez for next season.
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In a separate report, Romano has added that Manchester City have made contact with Enzo Fernandez’s camp. Once again, Romano reiterates that City’s move is dependent on Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate on their £120 million asking price. Manchester City are reportedly hoping to open negotiations with Chelsea if they are to move for Enzo Fernandez.
If anyone knows what Fernandez would add to the Manchester City squad it is Maresca.
Enzo Fernandez made 79 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea while Enzo Maresca was their manager. He scored 15 goals and added 19 assists during that time. In terms of what Enzo Fernandez could bring to Manchester City, both as a midfielder and in terms of his personality, Maresca is well qualified to judge both of these aspects of the Argentinian midfielder.
There has been concern about the type of personality that Enzo Fernandez is in terms of whether or not Manchester City would, or should, move for him, or if he fits the personality profile of a City signing. Fernandez has previously been embroiled in a racist and homophobic slur scandal in 2024 after Argentina won the Copa America. Also, Fernandez made himself a World Cup villain with a provocative social media post after Argentina beat England in their World Cup semi-final tie during the 2026 World Cup. Enzo Fernandez has made himself a lightning rod for controversy there is no doubt about that.
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Having said that, Enzo Maresca knows Enzo Fernandez well. If there were major concerns over the personality of the Argentinian international, it is doubtful that the Manchester City manager would be pushing to add him to his squad. Perhaps, Enzo Fernandez doesn’t pass the smell test for some as he is a divisive figure. What isn’t in doubt is that Enzo Fernandez is a proven performer at the highest level. Is that enough alone to justify a Manchester City move for Enzo Fernandez? That answer isn’t an easy one to determine given the nature of the incidents that Enzo Fernandez has been previously involved in.
Final thoughts.
Enzo Maresca remains eager to add Enzo Fernandez to his Manchester City squad. Chelsea’s asking price remains the biggest impediment to any potential move. What isn’t in doubt is that Maresca would know exactly the type of player and personality he’d be signing in Enzo Fernandez if the move came together. It now remains to be seen if City do intend on making their move to add a different dynamic to their midfield.
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