Enzo Fernandez Leaves Chelsea for Manchester City in 125 Million Pounds Deal

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Enzo Fernandez has completed a blockbuster move from Chelsea to Manchester City for £125 million (US$169 million), tying the British transfer record and ending his three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

As reported by Sky Sports, the Argentina international has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City and will reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.

The £125 million fee matches the British record set when Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on Deadline Day last year.

Fernandez's departure came amid frustration at Chelsea after Monaco pulled out of a deal to sell Lamine Camara, who had been identified as his replacement. Camara was expected to join Chelsea for £47 million and was set to sign a six-year contract subject to a medical.

Chelsea had the option to halt Fernandez's transfer after the Camara deal collapsed, but the club honored its commitment to complete the midfielder's move to Manchester City.

Fernandez had told Chelsea more than three months earlier that he wanted to leave, while the club had set a deadline for bids more than two weeks before the transfer window closed.

Chelsea will make an £18 million profit on Fernandez, having signed him from Benfica for £107 million in January 2023.

After completing his move, Fernandez said he was excited to join what he described as one of England's most successful clubs in recent years.

"Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times," Fernandez 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.

"If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.

"I pride myself on continually improving my game. Anyone who's worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I'm here."

How Monaco's Withdrawal Left Chelsea Without a Replacement

Camara's proposed move to Chelsea collapsed after Monaco withdrew from the agreement shortly after the 11 p.m. transfer deadline.

According to Sky Sports, there had been a full written agreement between the two clubs for the £47 million transfer. Chelsea considered Monaco's decision extraordinary and deeply unprofessional.

The French club's decision was linked to the collapse of another transfer involving Folarin Balogun. Monaco had successfully renegotiated a deal to sell the United States international to Everton, but Balogun ultimately walked away from the move.

The developments left Chelsea without the replacement they had planned to bring in for Fernandez.

Fernandez Sends Farewell Message to Chelsea

Following his departure, Fernandez posted an emotional farewell message to Chelsea supporters on Instagram:

Dear Chelsea,

I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven't been in a good place.

Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I grew attached to the people, to the shirt, and to the badge of this incredible club.

Believe me when I say that, from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves. We suffered, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories. Together, through the good times and the difficult ones.

I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. That is why I want you to know that I understand you. I truly understand you, from the bottom of my heart.

But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions. I've said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.

But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because I am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way.

I want to thank every single one of you: the staff, the coaching team, the medical team, the physios, and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution.

To all my teammates over these years, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so many moments with me. I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future.

Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family throughout these years. I will never forget it.

This group will give you many more reasons to be happy, and I will be happy for you too. Never doubt that.

You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best.

Always Blue.

Thank you, Chelsea.

Enzo.

(*)

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