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Man City miss Chelsea deadline for Enzo Fernandez
15th August, 2026 06:45 AM
Manchester City failed to submit an offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the 5:00 pm British time on Friday, August 14, 2026 deadline imposed by the west London club.
Chelsea had given City until Friday evening to make a formal approach for the Argentina international, who is valued at around £120 million (Ksh20.98 billion). With the deadline now passed, the Blues expect Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
However, the possibility of a late move has not been completely ruled out, with the transfer window remaining open until September 1, 2026.
Fernandez has emerged as a player of interest to City, while his previous relationship with current manager Enzo Maresca could strengthen the attraction. The midfielder still has six years remaining on his Chelsea contract.
Fernandez move could depend on Rodri
City’s pursuit of Fernandez could be influenced by developments surrounding Rodri.
Barcelona have already made two unsuccessful attempts to sign the Spain international, with City rejecting both proposals. The Premier League champions are keen to retain Rodri and are also hoping to convince him to commit his future to the club, despite his current contract running until next summer.
Should Barcelona eventually meet City’s valuation for Rodri, the situation could change dramatically.
A departure for the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder could leave City needing another established central midfielder, potentially reopening the door for Fernandez. Chelsea, however, maintain that they do not intend to sell the Argentine during either the current transfer window or the January market.
City manager Maresca is understood to be a major admirer of Fernandez and is familiar with the qualities he could bring to his midfield.
City continue to explore midfield options
Fernandez is not the only midfielder on City’s radar.
The club is also negotiating with Lille over Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi as they prepare for potential changes to their midfield department.
City have already strengthened that area by completing the £116 million (Ksh20.28 billion) signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea’s £120 million (Ksh 20 billion) valuation of Fernandez represents a significant premium on the fee they paid Benfica for his services in January 2023, when the midfielder arrived for approximately £107 million (Ksh18.71 billion).
Chelsea determined to keep Fernandez
Chelsea’s decision to impose the deadline reflects their desire to avoid prolonged transfer uncertainty ahead of the new season.
The club believes potential suitors have had sufficient time to make their intentions clear and wants new manager Xabi Alonso and his squad to concentrate fully on the campaign.
Fernandez’s future had already attracted attention earlier this year after he was left out of Chelsea’s squad for two matches in April. The omission followed comments in which he expressed an interest in potentially living in Madrid.
The midfielder and his representative subsequently apologised, while discussions had also been taking place over improved contractual terms.
Real Madrid have meanwhile denied reports linking them with a possible move for Fernandez.
For now, Chelsea expect their £120 million-rated midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge. But with the transfer window still open until September 1, City’s interest could yet resurface if the situation surrounding Rodri changes.
