Why did Manchester City miss the deadline for Enzo Fernandez?

Chelsea set an unofficial deadline of Friday at 17:00 BST for a £120m bid, which City chose not to meet. City reportedly believe they can dictate the timing of any potential deal.

Will Enzo Fernandez still join Manchester City?

While Chelsea expect him to stay, City reportedly believe a deal is still possible before the official transfer window closes on 1 September, heavily depending on whether Rodri leaves.

Is Rodri leaving Manchester City?

Rodri wants to join Barcelona, but City are demanding £68.4m. If Barcelona do not meet the valuation, City are prepared to keep him until his contract expires in 2027.

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Manchester City miss Chelsea's £120m deadline for Enzo Fernandez but remain hopeful of deal

Chelsea expect Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge after Manchester City did not submit a £120m bid before Friday's unofficial deadline, though the Premier League champions still believe a transfer is possible.

Ryan Connolly

16 August 20262 min read

Manchester City miss Chelsea's £120m deadline for Enzo Fernandez but remain hopeful of deal

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Chelsea's unofficial deadline of 17:00 BST on Friday for a £120m offer for Enzo Fernandez has expired without a bid from Manchester City.

According to reports, the London club now anticipate the 25-year-old Argentina international will remain at Stamford Bridge under manager Xabi Alonso for the upcoming season.

However, it is understood that City do not consider the pursuit to be over. The Manchester club reportedly believe Chelsea are still open to negotiations and that any potential transfer will happen on their own timeline ahead of the official deadline on 1 September.

Rodri's future holds the key

Any move for Fernandez is heavily dependent on the departure of City midfielder Rodri. The Spanish international is keen on a return to his homeland with Barcelona, but City are standing firm on their £68.4m valuation.

Barcelona's initial offer of £38.5m falls significantly short, and City have indicated they are prepared to keep the 30-year-old until his contract expires in 2027 if their asking price is not met.

Maresca's midfield rebuild

New City manager Enzo Maresca is a known admirer of Fernandez, having previously made him captain during his tenure at Chelsea.

A successful £120m bid would mark the fourth-largest transfer in football history and push City's summer spending beyond £250m, following the £116m acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

The pursuit comes amid a significant transitional period at the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola's departure, with several key figures from the 2023 Champions League-winning squad having already left the club.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Manchester City miss the deadline for Enzo Fernandez?: Chelsea set an unofficial deadline of Friday at 17:00 BST for a £120m bid, which City chose not to meet. City reportedly believe they can dictate the timing of any potential deal.
Will Enzo Fernandez still join Manchester City?: While Chelsea expect him to stay, City reportedly believe a deal is still possible before the official transfer window closes on 1 September, heavily depending on whether Rodri leaves.
Is Rodri leaving Manchester City?: Rodri wants to join Barcelona, but City are demanding £68.4m. If Barcelona do not meet the valuation, City are prepared to keep him until his contract expires in 2027.