Chelsea have accepted Manchester City’s £125 million bid for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, completing the transfer ahead of the January 11pm deadline, according to multiple reports. The deal, which matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool’s purchase of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, was finalized late in the transfer window. Fernandez, 23, is set to undergo a medical and will join City in the coming days.
The move marks a significant loss for Chelsea, who had been seeking a replacement for Fernandez after he became a key player during the 2025-26 season. Despite the departure, the Blues have pushed to sign a late replacement, with reports suggesting they are close to finalizing a deal for Monaco’s Thomas Camara. However, a £38.5 million bid for the French midfielder was rejected.
The transfer has also sparked reactions from analysts and former players. Former Liverpool and England defender Steven Gerrard, among others, has commented on the implications of the deal for the Premier League. The move is expected to reshape the midfield landscape in England, with Fernandez’s arrival likely to challenge key players at Manchester City.
The deal highlights the intense competition for top talent in the Premier League, with clubs racing to secure high-profile signings before the deadline. As the transfer window closes, the focus shifts to the upcoming season and how these changes will impact team dynamics and performance.
