Why Enzo Fernandez left Chelsea for Man City
Fresh reports have emerged on why Enzo Fernandez opted for a transfer away from Chelsea to Premier League rivals Man City.
Fresh details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s departure from Chelsea and his British-record transfer to Manchester City.
Fernandez completed a £125 million move to City on transfer deadline day, bringing an end to his spell at Stamford Bridge and becoming the most expensive player in British football history.
However, reports now suggest the Argentine midfielder had been pushing strongly for an exit before an agreement was eventually reached between the two Premier League clubs.
According to The Telegraph, Fernandez submitted two written transfer requests to Chelsea as he attempted to secure his move to Manchester. The club were also reportedly informed that the midfielder believed his relationships with his Chelsea team-mates had deteriorated.
The claims are particularly significant given Fernandez’s prominent position within the Chelsea dressing room. He had served as vice-captain and was part of the club’s leadership group.
Despite his desire to leave, Chelsea reportedly maintained that Fernandez would only be allowed to depart if Manchester City met their valuation.
City eventually agreed a £125 million deal on deadline day, allowing Fernandez to complete the transfer. Chelsea's firm negotiating position came during a window in which City were also reportedly interested in Pedro Neto, although the Portuguese winger remained at Stamford Bridge and subsequently extended his contract until 2032.
Questions about Fernandez's situation at Chelsea had already surfaced before his departure. A training-ground photograph circulated in August showing the midfielder appearing detached from a group of smiling team-mates.
Following confirmation of his move to City, there was also noticeable silence from Chelsea's current players on social media, with none publicly posting farewell messages to their former vice-captain.
Another reported factor surrounding Fernandez's final months at Stamford Bridge was his continued relationship with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. Fernandez is believed to have remained in contact with the Italian following Maresca's departure as head coach on New Year's Day.
As a senior figure in the dressing room, Chelsea had reportedly expected Fernandez to play an important role in helping the squad navigate the difficult period that followed the managerial change.
Signs of uncertainty over his long-term future had emerged months before the eventual transfer. Fernandez publicly raised questions about his future following Chelsea's Champions League elimination by Paris Saint-Germain.
His departure ultimately came at the end of the summer transfer window, with Manchester City meeting Chelsea's asking price after the midfielder had made his desire to leave Stamford Bridge clear.
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