‘I Didn’t Hesitate for a Second’ — Enzo Fernandez on £125m Manchester City Move

Enzo Fernandez has revealed that he had no hesitation in joining Manchester City after the Premier League club made contact over a move from Chelsea.

The Argentina midfielder completed his transfer to City on Tuesday’s deadline day for a British record-equalling fee of £125 million ($169 million), taking the club’s spending in the transfer window beyond £450 million.

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for £107 million, which was then a British-record transfer fee.

His move to the Etihad Stadium matches the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last year.

Speaking in his first interview since completing the transfer, Fernandez said City’s approach immediately appealed to him.

“To be honest, from the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” he said.

The Argentine midfielder, who has signed a five-year contract, said joining City fulfilled a long-held ambition.

“I’ve always dreamed of being at a club as big as City,” Fernandez said.

He described the move as a major challenge, pointing to the club’s success and reputation in world football.

“It’s a club that has won a lot in recent years. It’s a club that is making history in football and, for me, it’s a huge challenge,” he added.

Fernandez is expected to play a key role in City’s revamped midfield alongside England international Elliot Anderson, who joined from Nottingham Forest for £116 million in July.

The move also reunites Fernandez with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now in charge at Manchester City following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Maresca has overseen a major rebuilding project at City following the departures of several high-profile players, including Rodri, John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

Despite the significant changes to the squad, Fernandez believes City are assembling a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.

The World Cup winner, who helped Argentina lift the trophy in 2022, described the new-look City side as an “incredible” team.

Fernandez also expressed his excitement about working with Maresca again, praising the manager’s influence on his development.

“He is a top manager, honestly. I had him at my previous club. They were incredible moments. I learned so much with him. He’s very similar to Latin people, very passionate,” he said.

The midfielder also thanked Maresca for his role in bringing him to Manchester.

“So, for me, it’s a pleasure to work with him. I’m also grateful because he was very important in bringing me here. So it’s a huge pleasure for me to work alongside him and enjoy it,” Fernandez added.