Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023. Photo by Vince Mignott/EPA
Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023. Photo by Vince Mignott/EPA
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Manchester City agreed to a $169 million deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the BBC about the agreement Tuesday. Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica in 2023, totaled 10 goals and four assists over 36 appearances during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
He played for 26 minutes during the Blues' season-opening 3-2 win over Fulham on Aug. 24 in London. He did not play Thursday in a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town or in the Blues' second Premier League game, a 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday in London.
The 25-year-old totaled two goals over seven appearances for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. His $169 million transfer fee ties the Premier League record, which was set last summer when Liverpool acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Manchester City sits atop the Premier League, at 2-0. The Sky Blues will host Coventry in the third match of their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday in Manchester.