Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Role Manchester City Needs, Former Defender Says Chelsea Transfer Would Be 'Big Plus'

Colin Hendry, a former defender, told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez would fill an important gap at Manchester City. The World Cup-winning midfielder is expected to be a valuable asset for manager Enzo Maresca if City can persuade him to leave Chelsea.

The Argentine star carries a hefty price tag, reportedly around £120 million ($162 million), but Hendry believes the investment could be justified.

City’s Summer Spending and Interest in Fernandez

This summer, City spent £116 million ($156 million) on Elliot Anderson, momentarily making him the most expensive British player ever. They are also pursuing Lille's teenage talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, which might involve another significant fee.

With the club upgrading their midfield, especially after rumors about Ballon d’Or winner Rodri possibly returning to Spain with Barcelona or Real Madrid, City has emerged as a leading candidate to sign Fernandez from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea reportedly set an August 14 deadline for bids on Fernandez, pushing City to move fast if they want to add more Premier League experience to their squad.

Does the £120 Million Price Tag Make Sense?

Hendry, speaking for Gambler Media, said the signing fits City's needs post-Pep Guardiola, particularly since Fernandez has previous experience working with Maresca in London.

“It does make sense because Fernandez has performed well in the Premier League with Chelsea. Despite opinions about Chelsea's struggles, he would be a strong addition,” Hendry said. “City’s squad is already solid, but the teams competing for major trophies have deep rosters loaded with quality.”

He acknowledged the high cost, noting the trend of transfer fees rising into the hundreds of millions. Hendry joked about reinstating rules limiting foreign players but concluded that Fernandez would be a valuable signing.

Filling the Void Left by De Bruyne and Gundogan

Fernandez could provide the goalscoring threat City has lacked since losing midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. Someone from central midfield reaching double-digit goals has been missing.

“It’s been an issue because you need goals from various parts of the team. Apart from Erling Haaland up front, who scores plenty thanks to good service, City need another player hitting around 10 goals. If Fernandez can do that, it would be a huge plus,” Hendry added.

Chelsea Reluctant to Sell Their Star Midfielder

Negotiating personal terms with Fernandez is unlikely to be difficult since the 25-year-old, who joined English football from Benfica in January 2023, probably expects a pay raise from his current £180,000-a-week at Chelsea.

Still, under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea are unwilling to part easily with one of their prized assets, especially to a direct Premier League rival.

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