LONDON & MANCHESTER — In one of the most chaotic transfer deadline day finishes in recent Premier League history, Manchester City officially sealed the signing of midfielder Enzo Fernández from Chelsea in a package worth £125 million, while Chelsea’s late swoop for his direct replacement, AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara, dramatically collapsed at the final minute.
Manchester City confirmed the arrival of the 25-year-old Argentina international on a five-year contract. The £125 million transfer fee matches the British record set by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
Fernández reunites with City manager Enzo Maresca, who coached him in West London.
City moved swiftly for Fernández following major departures this window, including Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah.
Fernández published a heartfelt emotional message on Instagram thanking Chelsea fans and staff while acknowledging the difficult decision to depart after three and a half seasons.
Chelsea looked set to immediately plug the hole left by Fernández after reaching a €55 million agreement with AS Monaco for 22-year-old Senegal international Lamine Camara. Camara had agreed to terms and undergone medical checks, but AS Monaco pulled the plug on the transfer just before the window shut.
Monaco originally lowered Camara’s price to cover shortfalls from Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton.
Once Everton resurrected and finalized renegotiated terms for Balogun, Monaco regained their financial footing and reneged on their deal with Chelsea for Camara.
Chelsea officials were reportedly left furious at the Ligue 1 side’s handling of negotiations, leaving manager Xabi Alonso short on midfield depth heading into the main campaign.
