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

Colin Hendry has told GOAL that Enzo Fernandez would fulfill a role that Manchester City currently lack. The World Cup winner is expected to be a "big plus" for new manager Enzo Maresca if he can be persuaded to leave Chelsea. Despite a hefty £120 million ($162m) price tag, the Argentina international might prove worth the investment.

Chelsea Set Deadline for Offers

This summer, City have already spent £116 million ($156m) on Elliot Anderson, briefly making him the most expensive British player ever. They are also pursuing Lille’s young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, which could mean another huge transfer fee. With speculations about Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returning to Spain, City are pushing hard to add South American star Fernandez to their squad.

Chelsea have reportedly set an August 14 deadline for official bids and negotiations, forcing City to act fast if they want to secure more Premier League experience.

Does the £120m Price Tag Make Sense for City?

Asked if signing Fernandez fits City's plans after Pep Guardiola's era, Hendry, speaking for Gambler Media, told GOAL:

"Yes, with what they are trying to replace, it makes sense. He has done very well in the Premier League with Chelsea, despite everything going on there. It would be a strong addition."

Hendry added that although City already have a strong squad, every top club has a deep pool of talent.

"He will be expensive, but these days prices are in the hundreds of millions. That's just how football is at the moment. Maybe bringing back limits on foreign players could change things, but right now this signing would be good for City."

Addressing the Void Left by De Bruyne and Gundogan

Fernandez is seen as the kind of midfielder who can step up since City lost key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, needing someone to contribute double-digit goals from midfield.

Hendry observed:

"It's been a real issue because you need goals from different parts of the team. Besides Haaland up front, who scores loads thanks to service, you need others chipping in. If Fernandez can reach double figures, that would be a big bonus for City."

Chelsea Reluctant to Let Go of World Cup Winner

Personal terms with Fernandez likely won't be a problem; the 25-year-old, who joined the Premier League from Benfica in January 2023, can expect a pay rise from his current £180,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge. However, under new coach Xabi Alonso, Chelsea are not keen to part with such a valuable player easily, especially to a direct rival.

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