Enzo Fernandez Expresses Desire to Return to River Plate in Future
Enzo Fernandez has indicated his wish to eventually return to Argentina later in his soccer career. The 25-year-old midfielder joined Manchester City from Chelsea on deadline day for a reported fee of £125 million, matching the British transfer record, and signed a long-term contract lasting until 2031.
Fernandez, who developed his skills at the River Plate academy, made his first-team debut in 2020. Following a loan period at Defensa y Justicia and a second stint with River, he transferred to Benfica in 2022, then to Chelsea in January 2023.
At Manchester City, Fernandez reunited with Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea manager. He scored his maiden goal for City with a clever free-kick during a 5-3 Premier League victory against Sunderland in September.
In an interview with Argentine journalists Gastón Edul and Esteban Edul, as shared by Sport Witness, Fernandez discussed the possibility of returning to River Plate. “I want to return to River at some point; I’ve said it several times,” the former Chelsea player stated. “I’m going to return, I’m sure. It’s something I really want. I stand by my words and what’s on record.”
He added, “If I say it, it’s because I feel it and know I need to return to win things and enjoy the River Plate world for many more years than I did. Today, I’m here with a long contract at Man City. There’s still a long way to go, but it will happen.”
Fernandez also reflected on Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final during the same discussion, crediting the Spanish team and noting the fatigue experienced by his squad after going through extra time in earlier knockout rounds.
He made his Manchester City debut against Coventry City in September after replacing Nico O’Reilly, who got injured in the warm-up. Fernandez assisted on Erling Haaland’s winner in a 1-0 match at the Etihad Stadium.
Recently, the 25-year-old has formed a regular partnership with Elliot Anderson in key games. Maresca opted for both players in the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa last Saturday ahead of 19-year-old summer signing Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Fernandez initiated the move for Haaland’s equalizer against Villa with a quick free-kick, despite Nicolas Jackson’s two goals ultimately halting City’s seven-game winning streak in the Premier League this season.
In subsequent matches, Maresca made changes for the Carabao Cup, granting five first-team players three days off. City faced Brighton and Hove Albion, managing a 2-2 draw before proceeding to win 4-3 on penalties, thus setting up a fifth-round tie against Bradford City in December.
During the shootout, Geronimo Rulli saved two penalties, while Rayan Cherki scored the decisive spot-kick after Mateo Kovacic had equalized in the first half following Malick Yalcouyé’s opening goal.
Fernandez is not the only River Plate graduate to be part of Manchester City’s squad; Claudio Echeverri is currently on loan at Benfica, where he has expressed a desire for an extended stay in Portugal.
The World Cup winner is anticipated to start for Manchester City this Saturday as they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium, just three days after eliminating Hürzeler’s side from the Carabao Cup on penalties, before traveling to RB Leipzig for a UEFA Champions League match.
