Enzo Fernández's €145 m record boosts Maresca's City
After a long spell of three and a half seasons at Chelsea, Enzo Fernández leaves the London scene to sign for Manchester City, with the English club paying €145 M and setting a record in the Premier League under the management of Enzo Maresca.
Maresca and the vision of the midfield
Enzo Maresca wanted from day one one of his own in his stint at Stamford Bridge, and saw in Fernández the complete midfielder who could dominate the build‑up from deep and threaten the attack. The Italian coach knows the Argentine's playing nuances perfectly and trusts his ability to grasp a higher‑level possession‑based football.
The signing has become a headline Premier League record: with the €145 M paid to Chelsea, Fernández surpasses Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, and establishes himself as the most expensive player in the history of the English championship.
A product of River Plate's academy, Fernández arrived in Europe in 2022 with Benfica before joining Chelsea, where he gained experience in the Premier League and in continental competitions.
During his time at the London club, Maresca used him almost as an extra striker, positioning him ahead of Reece James and Moisés Caicedo. That role gave him greater offensive presence and commitment in pressing after loss of possession.
The expected impact at City
In the 2024/25 season, Fernández scored 9 goals and provided 17 assists; in 2025/26 he repeated the feat with 15 goals and 7 assists, his best goal‑contribution numbers in Europe.
With Kevin De Bruyne's departure, City has sought pieces that can catalyse the offensive play, and Fernández's arrival is seen as the missing key to keep the team's ambition in the post‑Guardiola rebuilding phase.
The Argentinian has also secured a substantial contract upgrade, which reinforces his commitment to Maresca's project and his adaptation to City’s style of play.
In short, Fernández's transfer not only addresses a tactical need, but also symbolizes City’s confidence in a future plan where the Argentine midfield will be a central piece.