Why Enzo Fernandez Chose Manchester City Over Real Madrid?
Enzo Fernandez was reportedly a target for Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho keen to bring the Argentina international to the Santiago Bernabeu to strengthen his midfield. However, the 25-year-old ultimately chose Manchester City, in part because of his desire to reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Fernandez completed his move to City on deadline day of the 2026/27 summer transfer window, adding another remarkable chapter to his transfer history. His cumulative transfer fees have now reached around €310 million since moving from Benfica to Chelsea and subsequently from Chelsea to Manchester City.
Maresca played an important role in convincing City to pursue the midfielder. The Italian coach had previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea and reportedly identified his former player as a potential successor to Rodri following the Spain international’s departure.
The relationship between Maresca and Fernandez had developed positively during their time together in west London. After Rodri’s departure, City intensified their interest in the Argentina international, eventually reaching an agreement worth around €145 million.
That fee reportedly puts Fernandez level with the Premier League transfer record set by Alexander Isak when Liverpool signed the Swedish striker from Newcastle United in the summer of 2025.
According to Diario AS, Fernandez had already made up his mind about his next destination. The report suggests the midfielder was attracted by Maresca’s plans to build a team around him, giving him a prominent role in City’s midfield.
That prospect appears to have outweighed the possibility of joining Real Madrid. Mourinho had reportedly been interested in bringing Fernandez to Spain, but the move never progressed to the stage of a formal offer from Los Blancos before the transfer deadline.
Fernandez’s decision has already had an immediate impact at Manchester City.
The midfielder was handed a starting role in City’s match against Coventry City and quickly became involved in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s goal. Fernandez helped progress the ball to Antoine Semenyo, who subsequently supplied the assist for the Norway international.
His immediate involvement underlines the role City expect him to play following his arrival. Rather than requiring an extended adaptation period, Fernandez has been given significant responsibility from the outset.
For Manchester City, the signing represents an ambitious attempt to rebuild their midfield following Rodri’s departure. For Fernandez, meanwhile, the move provides an opportunity to work under a manager he already knows while taking on a central role in one of the Premier League’s leading clubs.
The decision to turn down the possibility of joining Real Madrid could ultimately prove significant for both player and club. Fernandez has chosen familiarity and a leading role under Maresca, while City have secured a midfielder they believe can become a key figure in their next generation.
