Enzo Fernandez Could Fill Key Gap for Manchester City, Says Former Blues Defender

Colin Hendry told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez would bring something Manchester City currently lack. The World Cup winner could prove a major asset for Enzo Maresca, should he be convinced to leave Chelsea. The Argentine midfielder is reportedly valued at around £120 million ($162m), a hefty price but one that might justify itself on the pitch.

Chelsea Sets Deadline for Offers

Manchester City have already invested heavily this summer, spending £116 million ($156m) on Elliot Anderson, who briefly became the most expensive British player ever. Talks are also ongoing for Lille’s rising star Ayyoub Bouaddi, possibly involving another nine-figure fee.

With speculation swirling about Ballon d’Or winner Rodri potentially returning to Spain, City looks keen to strengthen their midfield by securing Fernandez. Chelsea reportedly demands any official bid by August 14, meaning City must move fast to add more Premier League-proven talent.

Is £120 Million Justified?

Asked if signing Fernandez makes sense for City as they transition beyond Pep Guardiola’s era, Hendry said, “Yeah, with what they’re trying to replace it does make sense, obviously from the fact that he’s come into the Prem and done really, really well with Chelsea... It would be a good addition.”

Hendry acknowledged the squad’s strength but pointed out that competing clubs have large rosters filled with quality players. He added, “He’s going to be expensive, isn’t he? But everything’s expensive these days; it’s not in tens of millions anymore, it’s hundreds of millions.”

He joked about reinstating limits on foreign players to control costs but agreed Fernandez would fit well at City.

Filling the Void Left by De Bruyne and Gundogan

Fernandez could address a key problem since Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan departed: the need for a midfielder who can score regularly.

Hendry commented, “It has been an issue because you need goals from most parts of the team. Apart from Haaland, who scores a lot but needs supply, having someone else hitting double figures would be a big plus.”

Chelsea Unlikely to Sell Easily

The 25-year-old Argentine, who joined English football via Benfica in January 2023, would likely negotiate a salary raise above his current £180,000 per week at Chelsea.

Still, with Xabi Alonso now managing Chelsea, the club seems determined not to lose such a valuable player to a Premier League rival without a fight.

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