Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Role Missing at Man City, Former Defender Sees Big Value in Chelsea Transfer

Colin Hendry, a former defender, told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez would fill an important gap for Manchester City. The World Cup winner could be a “big plus” for new coach Enzo Maresca if he manages to lure the midfielder from Chelsea.

The Argentine star carries a hefty price tag of around £120 million ($162m), but many think it might be worth the investment.

Chelsea's Transfer Deadline and City's Moves

Chelsea has reportedly set a deadline of August 14 for formal bids on Fernandez. Meanwhile, City has already spent £116 million ($156m) on Elliot Anderson this summer, briefly crowning him the most expensive British player ever. They are also interested in Lille’s teenage talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, with another big fee potentially coming into play.

With key midfielders like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri rumored to move back to Spain (Barcelona or Real Madrid), Manchester City is pushing hard to add the South American star to their ranks.

Would £120m for Fernandez Make Sense?

“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.”

He noted that City’s squad is strong but that all teams chasing major trophies have deep squads packed with quality. The rising costs of players—now reaching hundreds of millions—are the new normal. Hendry even joked about bringing back old rules limiting foreign players to control prices.

Filling the Void Left by De Bruyne

Fernandez could bring something City have lacked since losing stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan: a central midfielder who scores double-digit goals. Hendry commented,

“It has been an issue, honestly, because you need goals coming from all parts of the team. Apart from Haaland, who scores loads but needs supply. If Fernandez can reach ten goals, that’s a big plus for City.”

Chelsea Unlikely to Let Fernandez Go Easily

Personal terms won’t likely cause trouble. The 25-year-old midfielder, who arrived in England from Benfica in January 2023, is expected to receive a pay rise from his current £180,000-a-week salary at Stamford Bridge.

Still, Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, are reluctant to sell such a key player, especially to a Premier League rival.

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