Manchester City remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez heading into the final two weeks of the transfer window, even after failing to submit a bid before a deadline set by Chelsea last week. City will now decide whether to make a move before the window closes on 1 September, having chosen not to act before Friday’s 5pm cut-off.
Why the Missed Deadline Matters
Fernandez can no longer leave Stamford Bridge under the £120 million terms that had been informally agreed with his representatives back in May, since that arrangement expired with Friday’s deadline. The transfer window itself remains open for the rest of the month, meaning City could still return with a fresh approach, but any deal would now need to be renegotiated from scratch.
The uncertainty over his future hasn’t gone unnoticed by Chelsea supporters Fernandez was booed by sections of the crowd after coming on as a substitute in Saturday’s 3-1 pre-season win over Real Sociedad. The Argentina World Cup finalist was suspended by Chelsea for two matches toward the end of last season after appearing to cast doubt on his future while away on international duty, amid reported interest from Real Madrid a move the Spanish club officially ruled out in early July.
City Also Progressing Bouaddi Talks
Manchester City remain in discussions with Lille over a move for Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as they look to bring in replacements following Rodri’s departure and Tijjani Reijnders’ move away from the club. Lille are said to be holding out for around £85 million, with talks between the two clubs confirmed publicly by Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti over the weekend. Reijnders, meanwhile, is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah in a deal worth around £51 million.
Rodri Set for Barcelona Medical
Rodri is preparing to undergo a medical with Barcelona ahead of completing a £65.4 million move from Manchester City, with the Spain international expected to sign a four-year contract at the Catalan club. The World Cup winner and former Ballon d’Or holder who helped City to four Premier League titles and Champions League success had just a year remaining on his City contract. While City had hoped to persuade him to extend his stay, Barcelona’s third and final offer ultimately proved too attractive to turn down.
Why Is Fernandez Valued Higher Than Rodri?
The contrast in valuations between the two departing City-linked midfielders has raised eyebrows Barcelona are paying £65.4 million for Rodri, a four-time Premier League winner who was named player of the tournament at this year’s World Cup, while Chelsea are demanding almost double that figure for Fernandez. Sky Sports’ data analysis strand Between the Lines points to a mix of factors behind such valuations, including a player’s age, remaining contract length, current form and the financial strength of the selling club all of which help explain why market value doesn’t always track directly with trophy count or reputation alone.
Quick Facts: The Latest Midfield Merry-Go-Round
- Fernandez’s Chelsea valuation: £120m (deadline for previous terms has passed)
- Rodri to Barcelona: £65.4m, medical pending, four-year deal expected
- Bouaddi’s Lille valuation: ~£85m
- Reijnders’ exit: Al Qadsiah, ~£51m
- Transfer window closes: 1 September 2026
