Manchester City Refuses to Pay Premium as Enzo Fernandez Transfer Collapses
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chelsea's 120 million pound asking price for Enzo Fernandez proved too steep, as Manchester City declined to meet the valuation before Friday's 5pm deadline. New City manager Enzo Maresca had hoped to reunite with the Argentine World Cup winner, whom he previously coached at Leicester, but club executives refused to overpay. With the deal dead, Chelsea have confirmed Fernandez will stay and compete for a first-team place under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Key Points
- Chelsea set a firm 120 million pound (approximately 12 billion HKD) asking price with a Friday 5pm transfer deadline that has now expired
- Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca admitted publicly on deadline day that no deal would happen, stating his focus is on Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal
- Fernandez, 25, has wanted to leave Chelsea since March, with agent Javier Pastore actively seeking buyers before Real Madrid ruled themselves out
- City viewed the Argentine midfielder as a potential successor to injured star Rodri, but refused to be fleeced by meeting Chelsea's valuation
- New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wants to keep Fernandez, who has returned to training and will stay through the January window as well
Why It Matters
The failed transfer underscores the growing financial gap between top Premier League clubs, with City unwilling to inflate the market even for a player their own manager coveted. For Chelsea, retaining Fernandez means the club's expensive 2023 signing will need to rediscover his best form under a new coach, while the Argentine faces the prospect of playing out his contract in west London rather than reuniting with a familiar face at the Etihad.
The failed transfer underscores the growing financial gap between top Premier League clubs, with City unwilling to inflate the market even for a player their own manager coveted. For Chelsea, retaining Fernandez means the club's expensive 2023 signing will need to rediscover his best form under a new coach, while the Argentine faces the prospect of playing out his contract in west London rather than reuniting with a familiar face at the Etihad.