Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Role Missing at Manchester City, Former Defender Says Chelsea Deal Would Be ‘Big Plus’ Despite £120m Price

Colin Hendry has told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez would fill an important role that Manchester City currently lack. The World Cup-winning midfielder is viewed as a strong addition for caretaker manager Enzo Maresca if the club manages to secure his transfer from Chelsea.

Price Tag and Transfer Deadline

The Argentine international commands a hefty fee, reportedly around £120 million ($162 million). Despite the cost, many see this as money well spent. Chelsea have set an August 14 deadline for any official bids for Fernandez, putting pressure on interested clubs to move swiftly.

City’s Recent Spending and Squad Needs

City have already invested heavily this summer, spending £116 million ($156 million) on Elliot Anderson, briefly making him the most expensive British player ever. They are also pursuing Lille's young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, which could involve another large fee. With rumors swirling about Rodri possibly returning to Spain, City are looking to strengthen their midfield further by targeting Fernandez.

Hendry’s Take on the Potential Deal

"Yeah, with what they’re trying to replace it does make sense, obviously from the fact that he’s come into the Prem and done really really well with Chelsea," Hendry said. "It would be a good addition. It’s a fair old squad City’s getting there now as well, but then again all the teams that are actually challenging for the big prizes have got enormous squads with talent and quality all over the place."

He added that although the price is high, this inflation is common in football transfers now: "Everything’s expensive these days because it’s not in tens of millions, it’s now coming into hundreds of millions and it’s crazy. But that’s the way the game’s gone for a bit... I think it’d be a good addition for City."

Replacing De Bruyne’s Influence

Fernandez might address a gap left after the departures of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. City need a midfielder who can contribute double-digit goals, something that has been lacking aside from Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring.

"It has been an issue if I’m being really honest because you need to weigh in with goals from most parts of the team," Hendry explained. "If he can hit double figures, then it’s a big plus for City."

Challenges in Negotiations with Chelsea

Fernandez, 25, who joined English football from Benfica in January 2023, is expected to negotiate personal terms comfortably, likely increasing his £180,000-a-week wages. However, with Xabi Alonso now managing Chelsea, the club appear reluctant to let go of such a valuable player, especially to a rival in the Premier League.

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