Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125m — a fee that equals the British transfer record set by Liverpool when they purchased Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on Deadline Day last year.

The deal, finalised on Deadline Day, brings Fernandez's three-and-a-half-year stint at Chelsea to a close. The Argentina international had first informed the club of his desire to leave more than three months ago, with Chelsea subsequently imposing a formal deadline for offers more than two weeks before the window shut.

Monaco's withdrawal adds drama to final hours

The closing stages of the transfer were complicated by a last-minute collapse of a separate deal. Chelsea had lined up Monaco's Lamine Camara as Fernandez's replacement, but Monaco pulled out of the agreement in the final minutes of the window, leaving the London club in a difficult position.

Despite the chaos, Chelsea chose to honour their commitment and allowed the Fernandez move to proceed — even though they retained the option to block the deal after the Camara agreement fell through.

Chelsea will record an £18m profit on a player they acquired for £107m, while Fernandez is now reunited at City with manager Enzo Maresca, his former head coach at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez's farewell message to Chelsea

The midfielder published a heartfelt goodbye message to Chelsea supporters on Instagram before his departure was confirmed. He acknowledged that the process had been deeply personal and difficult.

These have not been easy days for me. Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I grew attached to the people, to the shirt, and to the badge of this incredible club.

Fernandez described his time at the club as one of genuine passion, referencing shared trophies, defeats, and celebrated victories alongside teammates and staff.

I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.

He signed off with words of gratitude for supporters, colleagues, medical staff, and everyone connected to the club's Cobham training ground, adding that he remained confident the squad would bring Chelsea further success.

This group will give you many more reasons to be happy, and I will be happy for you too. Never doubt that. You will always be in my heart, Blues.