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Chelsea sets Friday deadline for City’s £120m Enzo bid

8/13/2026

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Summary

City Targets Fernández

Chelsea gave Manchester City until 5 p.m. UK time on Friday, 14 August 2026 to make a £120 million offer for Enzo Fernández, or he stays at Chelsea.
City have personal terms with Fernández and have pursued him all summer under manager Enzo Maresca.
City may fund the fee by selling Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for about £51 million.
Rodri’s likely Barcelona move after a €55 million bid was rejected would free funds for City.

Summary

Fernández Transfer Saga

Enzo Fernández received a two-match suspension in April after stating on a podcast that he wanted to move to Madrid.
His agent Javier Pastore claimed Fernández was underpaid and later apologized for mishandling the transfer saga.
Manager Xabi Alonso said the club must settle the Fernández matter quickly to avoid distraction before the Fulham opener.

History

Historical Context

In July 2009 Manchester United accepted a £80 million offer for Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-record fee negotiated by Sir Alex Ferguson and approved by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The transfer inaugurated an era of escalating Spanish spending, later reflected in Ronaldo’s own €100 million 2018 move to Juventus, underscoring how record fees reshaped club finance.

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City Targets Fernández

Chelsea gave Manchester City until 5 p.m. UK time on Friday, 14 August 2026 to make a £120 million offer for Enzo Fernández, or he stays at Chelsea.
City have personal terms with Fernández and have pursued him all summer under manager Enzo Maresca.
City may fund the fee by selling Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for about £51 million.
Rodri’s likely Barcelona move after a €55 million bid was rejected would free funds for City.

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