Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Gap for Manchester City, Former Defender Sees £120m Transfer as 'Big Plus'

Ex-Chelsea defender Colin Hendry believes Enzo Fernandez could supply something that Manchester City currently lack. Speaking to GOAL, Hendry suggested the World Cup-winning midfielder would be a “big plus” for City’s new manager Enzo Maresca if they manage to secure him from Chelsea.

The Argentine international carries a hefty price tag, reportedly around £120 million ($162 million), but may prove worth the investment as City seek to strengthen their squad.

Transfer Deadline Set by Chelsea

This summer, City have already spent big, including £116 million ($156 million) on Elliot Anderson, briefly making him the most expensive British player ever. They are also eyeing Lille’s teenage talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, where another nine-figure deal might be on the horizon.

With speculation about Ballon d’Or winner Rodri possibly returning to Spain, either Barcelona or Real Madrid, City are pushing hard to add Fernandez, a South American star, to their ranks. Chelsea reportedly require any formal offers by August 14, putting pressure on City to act fast.

Does Fernandez Fit City’s Needs?

Hendry weighed in on whether signing Fernandez makes sense as City move beyond the Pep Guardiola era and Maresca steps in. He said:

“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 well with Chelsea. It would be a good addition.”

He added that City’s squad is already strong, but top clubs need deep squads filled with quality everywhere.

Regarding the cost, Hendry remarked:

“He’s going to be expensive, isn’t he? Everything’s expensive these days. Transfers aren’t in tens of millions anymore, they’re hitting hundreds. It’s crazy, but that’s the way it’s been for a while now.”

Replacing De Bruyne’s Impact

Fernandez is seen as the kind of player who can help fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, especially in terms of goals from midfield.

Hendry said:

“It’s been an issue because you need goals from many parts of the team. Apart from [Erling] Haaland up front, who scores a lot thanks to the chances created, City need someone from midfield hitting double figures. If Fernandez can score 10 goals, that’d be a huge boost for them.”

Challenges in Signing Fernandez

Negotiating personal terms with Fernandez shouldn’t pose a problem. The 25-year-old, who joined English football from Benfica in January 2023, currently earns around £180,000 a week at Chelsea and would likely receive a pay rise.

Still, Chelsea, now led by Xabi Alonso, are reluctant to sell such a prized player to a Premier League rival. They will make it difficult for City to pry Fernandez away.

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