Enzo Fernández leads post‑World Cup 2026 transfer record

Enzo Fernández moved from Chelsea to Manchester City for €146 million, becoming the most expensive transfer of the summer and in the history of the English league, announced at the last minute of the British market. The deal, confirmed by FIFA, reflects the impact of the World Cup 2026, where the Argentine was a finalist with the side that lost the final against Argentina.

Record transfer volume

267 players from 47 nationalities who took part in the World Cup 2026 changed clubs during the summer window, with their transfers amounting to more than $3.3 billion (€2.8 billion [ME]) in combined fees, according to a FIFA statement.

The governing body also highlighted that 21.4% of the 1,248 call‑ups changed clubs, underscoring the breadth of movement in the market.

Impact of the World Cup 2026 on the market

Portugal did not appear on the podium for the number of signings, although it recorded a significant volume of transfers, as disclosed by FIFA.

The summer transfer window closed on Tuesday for the major European leagues, but remains open in Portugal's top division and in peripheral countries, information released on Thursday by FIFA.

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Enzo Fernández, Argentine midfielder and former Benfica player, was a finalist at the World Cup 2026 before joining Manchester City. His move from Chelsea, world club champion, for €146 million constitutes the most expensive deal in the history of the English league, announced at the last minute of the British market.

Tournament context and additional figures

FIFA stated that the World Cup helped create “new opportunities in the market”, from established stars to emerging talents, reinforcing the link between the tournament and the volume of business.

The World Cup was contested from June 11 to July 19, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and featured 48 national teams for the first time. Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16, losing to European champions Spain (1‑0), who later beat Argentina (1‑0 after extra time) in the final.

According to another report, 12,500 transfers were recorded, a slight increase of just over 6% compared with the same period in 2025, representing the highest transfer volume ever recorded.