Enzo Fernandez joins Man City as Chelsea and Everton left furious by Monaco transfer chaos
Enzo Fernandez has completed his £125m move from Chelsea to Manchester City, with the Argentina international describing his new club as “built for success” after completing a five-year deal on transfer deadline day.
Fernandez's move equalled the British transfer record and ended a dramatic window in which Chelsea were simultaneously attempting to replace him with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
The transfer was particularly significant for Chelsea because the club had already agreed a £47m deal with Monaco for Camara, who was viewed as Fernandez's replacement.
However, Monaco withdrew from that agreement after renegotiating Folarin Balogun's proposed move to Everton, only for the striker to subsequently walk away from the deal.
Fernandez ready for new challenge at Man City
Fernandez said he was delighted to join Man City and believes the club's structure and ambition make it the ideal environment for him to continue developing.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are,” Fernandez said.
“I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies.”
The midfielder also praised the quality within Man City's squad and promised to maintain the work ethic that has defined his career.
“I pride myself on continually improving my game,” he added.
“I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I'm here.”
Chelsea left without Fernandez or Camara
Chelsea had the option to stop Fernandez's move after Monaco pulled out of the Camara agreement, but ultimately decided to honour their commitment to Man City.
Sky Sports reports that Chelsea were “really unhappy” with Monaco's conduct, particularly because the agreement for Camara had been completed in writing and the player was preparing to travel to London.
The situation leaves Chelsea without the direct midfield replacement they had identified, although they had also considered Roma's Manu Kone and other Premier League options.
It represents an unusual deadline-day outcome: Chelsea sold a key midfielder for a British-record-equalling fee while simultaneously losing the replacement they had secured.
Everton caught in Monaco's transfer web
Everton's involvement made the situation even more chaotic.
The Toffees had agreed a £40m deal for Balogun, but a medical raised concerns over an injury.
Everton subsequently attempted to renegotiate the structure of the agreement, while Balogun became unhappy after the club pursued Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee during the uncertainty.
Balogun ultimately decided against completing the move, leaving Monaco with neither the £40m striker sale nor the Camara transfer.
Everton were consequently left with just one recognised striker, Thierno Barry, after Beto's £15.4m move to Fiorentina.
Frustrations all around
For Chelsea, the fallout is arguably even more frustrating.
They honoured their agreement with Man City despite Monaco withdrawing from their own commitment, meaning Fernandez is now at the Etihad while Camara remains in Monaco.
The deadline-day saga therefore ended with Man City securing their marquee midfielder, while Chelsea and Everton were left counting the cost of a series of late negotiations that Sky Sports described as an “extraordinary and deeply unprofessional” episode.
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