Chelsea sets deadline for Fernandez offers
Chelsea has reportedly set a deadline of Friday at 17:00 BST for offers for midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The club values the Argentine player at £120m. This potential transfer could see Fernandez reunite with Manchester City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who previously managed him at Chelsea.
Maresca, however, indicated on Friday that he did not anticipate any immediate transfer business. When asked about potential imminent deals, he stated, “I don’t think we’re going to do something today.” Maresca also mentioned that his immediate focus was on the upcoming Community Shield match against Arsenal.
The possibility of Fernandez joining City appears to be linked to the potential departure of City’s Spanish midfielder, Rodri. City is reportedly not planning to sign Fernandez if Rodri remains with the club. Rodri has been a key player for City, contributing to their success, including winning the 2022-23 Treble and scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
Rodri’s potential move to Barcelona
Rodri, who has played 298 times for City and lifted four league titles, is reportedly interested in returning to Spain to join Barcelona. City is asking for 80m euros (£68.4m) for the midfielder. Barcelona’s initial bid for Rodri, whose contract expires next summer, was £38.5m. City has maintained that their valuation must be met and is prepared to keep Rodri, even if it means risking losing him for free when his contract ends in 2027, should their asking price not be met.
According to one report, the deals for Rodri and Fernandez are interdependent but do not necessarily need to occur simultaneously. If City were assured of Rodri’s departure, it would enable them to make an offer for Fernandez. It is also suggested that Fernandez could potentially sign before Rodri is ready to play again following a minor back procedure.
Maresca has expressed admiration for Fernandez, having made him Chelsea captain when Reece James was injured. Fernandez featured in 79 of Maresca’s 92 games in charge at Chelsea. While primarily a defensive midfielder, Maresca often played Fernandez in a more advanced role last season, particularly when Cole Palmer was injured, which led to Fernandez scoring a career-best 15 goals.
This versatility suggests Fernandez could fit into various positions within Maresca’s City team. City also signed English midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer for £116m. Anderson, like Fernandez, can play in both defensive and more advanced midfield roles, offering Maresca tactical flexibility. City is also reportedly linked with another defensive midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
Transfer deadline and financial implications
Fernandez’s relationship with Chelsea reportedly deteriorated after Maresca’s departure in January. In March, he criticised the club following a significant defeat by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League and later expressed a desire to move to Madrid. These comments led to Chelsea omitting him from two games. Last month, Real Madrid issued a statement denying they would sign Fernandez, leaving City as the primary contenders.
The deadline set by Chelsea for offers for Fernandez is described as an arbitrary one. The actual transfer deadline is on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST. Insiders reportedly suggest that if City does not make a move by Friday, the opportunity to sign Fernandez this window will pass, and he will remain at Chelsea until next summer. This situation is viewed as a win-win for Chelsea, as they either retain the player or secure £120m.
If Fernandez were to join City for £120m, it would rank among the largest transfers in football history. This would mean City would have made two of the biggest six signings ever this summer, with Anderson’s £116m transfer already ranking fifth. Fernandez himself is among the top ten transfers for his £107m move to Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023.
A deal for Fernandez would push City’s spending this summer beyond £250m, following the recruitment of young players Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga, and Mathys Detourbet, as well as goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. For 2026, their spending would approach £350m, including £82.5m spent on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January.
However, City has also seen several players depart. Bernardo Silva and John Stones left on free transfers this summer. James Trafford was sold to Leeds for up to £45m, and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Saudi Pro-League club Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal. Defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have also been sold this summer.
Managerial change and squad evolution
This summer has marked a period of significant change for City, with long-serving manager Pep Guardiola departing after 10 years, during which he led the club to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. Maresca, Guardiola’s former assistant, has taken over as manager. The potential departure of Rodri would further signify an end of an era on the pitch, as only three players who started the 2023 Champions League final – Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish – would remain at the club.
If Chelsea sells Fernandez, they would likely seek a replacement, with over two weeks remaining before the transfer deadline. Three weeks ago, Chelsea reportedly had a £64m offer for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott rejected. Chelsea has also been active in the transfer market this summer, breaking their club record to sign attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers for £117m from Aston Villa. Their spending has already exceeded £300m, including £52m for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and £47m for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Selling Fernandez would push Chelsea’s sales total beyond £250m.
There is reportedly existing tension between City and Chelsea following the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure from Chelsea and his subsequent move to City. Maresca reportedly had disagreements with Chelsea’s owners during his 18 months in charge, leaving the club on 1 January. Chelsea was in fifth place when he left and finished the season in 10th. Xabi Alonso has since replaced Maresca’s successor, Liam Rosenior, this summer. While Maresca’s exit was initially described as mutual, he has since stated he resigned, which he admits “opened a path” for his move to City.
Maresca was widely reported to be a frontrunner to replace Guardiola, having previously served as his assistant. He joined City at the end of the season, with City reportedly paying Chelsea a significant compensation figure despite Maresca no longer being their manager. The transfer deadline is on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.
Source: bbc.co.uk