Enzo Fernandez has completed a controversial £125 million transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City on deadline day. The 25-year-old midfielder immediately angered Chelsea supporters by declaring he had "always dreamed of being at a club as big as City" and referring to Chelsea only as his "previous club" in his unveiling comments, as reported by Daily Mail Sport.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League with six points from two wins in their opening fixtures. They have scored seven goals while conceding five ahead of their next match against Arsenal on September 6th. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Why are Chelsea fans angry?
Enzo Fernandez's comments during his Manchester City presentation have sparked significant backlash from the Chelsea fanbase. He stated, "I'm really happy to be here. I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City." This follows a similar pattern from last season when he was suspended for two matches after publicly flirting with a move to Real Madrid.
In a social media post aimed at Chelsea supporters, Fernandez wrote, "Life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions." He added that he had not been in a "good place" when explaining his departure.
What does the transfer mean for Chelsea?
The £125 million fee equals the British transfer record set last summer when Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak. This substantial outgoing provides Chelsea with significant funds but also removes a key midfielder from their squad as they prepare for a crucial away fixture against second-placed Arsenal. The team's current form shows two consecutive wins, with their attacking output detailed on our stats page.
Fernandez's departure follows manager Enzo Maresca's move to Manchester City, where he also referred to Chelsea as a "different club." Fernandez acknowledged Maresca's role in bringing him to City, saying, "He is a top manager, honestly, I had him at my previous club. They were incredible moments. I learned so much with him."
How did the transfer unfold?
Manchester City's pursuit of Fernandez culminated on deadline day after what the player described as "a long few days." He revealed that from the first contact he did not hesitate. "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," Fernandez said.
He praised Maresca's efforts in making the transfer happen, stating, "To be honest, we were both very eager for it to happen, because it wasn't easy for me to be here today." Fernandez expressed immediate happiness with his new surroundings, saying he could "already see just how big it is" at City.
What are City's expectations?
Fernandez immediately outlined the expectations at his new club. "Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for," he said. "In every competition we play in, we have to compete and win, because this club's history demands that." He added that he looked forward to "enjoying ourselves and win lots of things together" with his new teammates.
The Argentine midfielder described the move as "a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of." Chelsea now turn their attention to maintaining their perfect start to the season when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. Full fixture details are available on our fixtures page.
