Enzo Fernández appears to have taken a parting swipe at Chelsea after completing his £125 million move to Manchester City, describing his new club as a place he had “always dreamed” of joining.
The Argentina international signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium on deadline day, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge. The fee matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool’s move for Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer.
Fernández’s first comments as a Manchester City player are likely to attract attention from Chelsea supporters, particularly after a difficult final few months in west London.
Enzo Fernández praises Manchester City after Chelsea exit
Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, Fernández made clear his excitement at reuniting with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
“I always dreamed to be in a club as big as Manchester City. This is a dream move for me. I’m really happy,” he said, in comments shared by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester City’s official announcement also quoted Fernández praising the club’s recent success and its structure.
“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times,” he said. “Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
“I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.”
Fernández did not refer directly to Chelsea, but his emphasis on City’s status, organisation and pursuit of silverware has been interpreted by some supporters as an implicit criticism of his former employers.
A difficult end to Fernández’s Chelsea career
The midfielder’s departure follows months of uncertainty over his future. He had told Chelsea earlier in the summer that he wanted to leave, while reports of interest from Manchester City continued to grow.
Fernández was left out of Chelsea’s final two matchday squads. Head coach Xabi Alonso said he wanted players who had the “desire to play” for the club, adding to the sense that the relationship had broken down.
The Argentina international had also faced persistent booing from sections of the Chelsea support during pre-season matches and the Premier League opener against Fulham.
He joined Chelsea from Benfica for a then-British record £106.8 million in January 2023 and leaves after helping the club win the Europa Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Manchester City said he had scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances for Chelsea last season.
The sale is understood to give Chelsea an £18 million profit on the original fee, although the club were left without their intended replacement after Monaco pulled out of the proposed £47 million transfer of Lamine Camara on deadline day.
Chelsea have subsequently been linked with former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who is available as a free agent.
