Jorge Mendes in talks to take “world-class” £120m star to Man City, he wants to join
Super agent Jorge Mendes is in active talks regarding Enzo Fernandez’s proposed move from Chelsea to Manchester City.
Man City are expected to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, but the Moroccan midfielder is still just 18-years-old, which means Hugo Viana & co may still need to sign a more experienced replacement for Rodri, who has officially signed for FC Barcelona.
As such, Fernandez, who has played in two World Cup finals, could be a solid option, with the Chelsea star being lauded as “world-class” by former manager Liam Rosenior last season.
Although it was a very disappointing campaign for the Blues, who failed to qualify for Europe or win a trophy, the Argentinian should still be pleased with his performances, picking up ten goals and four assists in 36 Premier League matches.
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Why Man City should replace Rodri with Enzo Fernandez |
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Experience at the top level |
The midfielder was one of Argentina’s most important players at the World Cup, making seven appearances and scoring in the 2-1 semi-final victory against England. The former Benfica has also now made 118 Premier League appearances, having spent three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge. |
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Age |
Despite his vast experience, the 49-cap Argentina international is still only 25-years-old, which makes him around five years younger than Rodri. As such, he may not even be in his prime yet, which is exciting, considering he has already established himself as a Premier League star and a key player for Argentina. |
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Performances last season |
Fernandez amassed 15 goals and seven assists for the Blues in all competitions last season, which is impressive, considering they stumbled to a tenth-place finish. The former Benfica man also created 68 chances in the Premier League alone, which was more than any other Chelsea player. |
Jorge Mendes working on Enzo Fernandez’s Man City move
Although Man City missed Chelsea’s Friday deadline to make a bid for Fernandez, work is continuing behind the scenes, with super agent Jorge Mendes now locked in negotiations to take him to the Etihad Stadium. However, according to a report from TeamTALK, a deal isn’t progressing as things stand, with Xabi Alonso’s side valuing their star player at £120m, which is a price City are unwilling to pay.
The Chelsea maestro is keen on joining the reigning FA Cup and EFL Cup winners, and his camp are still exploring the move, but his current employers are playing hard ball, as they are happy for him to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the September 1st transfer deadline.
What Enzo Maresca has said about Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez is a player new Man City manager Enzo Maresca knows well, having worked together at Chelsea, and the Italian spoke very fondly about his former midfielder during the 2024-25 season.
Maresca said: “He behaved as a leader and he is doing top, fantastic. For sure Enzo has taken a step forward in that sense. He is showing how good a leader he is, how good he is on the ball, how good he is off the ball and we are delighted with him.”
However, it is understandable that Man City are unwilling to fork out £120m, having already spent £116m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while a deal for Bouaddi is expected to cost £85m.
