Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Role Missing at Manchester City, Former Defender Says £120m Move From Chelsea Would Be Valuable

Colin Hendry has told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez could be exactly what Manchester City need. The World Cup-winning midfielder might prove a "big plus" for new manager Enzo Maresca if City can convince him to leave Chelsea. The Argentina international’s price is steep, reportedly around £120 million ($162 million), but it could be a worthwhile investment.

Chelsea Sets Deadline for Bids on Fernandez

City have already spent big this summer, paying £116 million ($156 million) for Elliot Anderson, briefly making him the priciest British player ever. They're also eyeing Lille’s young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, potentially involving another nine-figure fee.

As City upgrade their midfield—especially with talk of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri heading back to Spain to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid—they are front-runners to sign Fernandez from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea reportedly demands any official offer by August 14, so City must move fast to add more Premier League experience to their squad.

Does Paying £120 Million for Fernandez Make Sense?

Asked if signing Fernandez fits City’s plans in the post-Pep Guardiola era, Hendry said via Gambler Media: “Yeah, with what they’re trying to replace it does make sense, especially since he’s come into the Premier League and performed very well with Chelsea. It would be a good addition.”

He added: “City already has a strong squad, but all top teams now carry huge squads filled with quality players. Fernandez will be expensive, but prices are inflated everywhere these days. The game has shifted to hundreds of millions for transfers—it’s crazy. Until some kind of foreign player limit returns, it looks set to continue. Still, I think he’d fit well for City.”

Filling the Void Left by De Bruyne

Fernandez could bring the goals City have missed since losing Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, providing double-digit goal contributions from midfield.

Hendry commented: “Honestly, that’s been a problem. You need goals from many parts of the team, not just the striker. Erling Haaland scores plenty but relies on service. If Fernandez can add 10 goals or more, that would be a major boost for City.”

Chelsea Unlikely to Let Fernandez Go Easily

Personal terms shouldn’t pose a problem; Fernandez, 25, who joined English football from Benfica in January 2023, is expected to earn more than his current £180,000-per-week salary at Chelsea.

However, with Xabi Alonso now managing Chelsea, the club is reluctant to sell such an important player, especially to a Premier League rival like City.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Chelsea vs Real Sociedad: August 15, 2026, 14:00
• Arsenal vs Manchester City (Community Shield): August 16, 2026, 16:00