Manchester City completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández on Tuesday as Premier League clubs rushed to conclude their business before the summer transfer window closed.
Fernández, 25, has signed a five-year contract with the reigning English champions, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
The Argentina international leaves Chelsea after helping his country win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América. He said he was delighted to begin a new chapter with City and was determined to continue competing for major honours.
“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
“I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.
“If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player,” he said.
City Director of Football, Hugo Viana, welcomed the midfielder and described him as a complete player capable of strengthening the squad.
“At Manchester City, we are always looking to bring in world-class players and Enzo fits the bill,” Viana said.
“He is a complete midfielder: technically gifted, hardworking, tenacious and a goalscorer.
“To have played in two World Cup finals and won major trophies in multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism and technical quality.
“We are delighted to bring him here and feel very strongly he will improve our team,” he noted.
Sanchez leaves Chelsea on loan
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has also left Stamford Bridge temporarily after agreeing a season-long loan move to Italian club Como.
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion in August 2023 and made 112 appearances for the London club.
The Spanish goalkeeper was part of the Chelsea teams that lifted the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup before sealing his move to Serie A.
Mudryk reunites with De Zerbi
Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk also secured a season-long loan move, giving him the opportunity to work again with Roberto De Zerbi.
Mudryk previously worked under the Italian coach and expressed his excitement about their reunion.
“It’s a great feeling. I can’t wait to start training and playing for the Club, and I’m so excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi,” Mudryk said.
The manager believes the winger’s pace and ability in one-on-one situations can make a difference for his team.
“Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team,” De Zerbi said.
“He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent.”
Fofana moves to Sunderland
Sunderland strengthened their squad with the signing of Belgian winger Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyonnais on a long-term deal.
Fofana, 21, becomes Sunderland’s fifth signing of the summer after making 82 appearances for Lyon, scoring 18 goals and registering six assists.
Sunderland Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi believes the youngster has the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League.
“Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
“He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.”
Timber joins Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace also completed the signing of Netherlands international Quinten Timber on a contract running until 2031.
The 25-year-old midfielder has earned 13 international caps and joins Palace after spells with Marseille and Feyenoord.
Palace chairman Steve Parish praised Timber’s experience and leadership qualities as he welcomed the midfielder to the club.
“With vast experience of representing his club and country at the highest level, Quinten is a player whose leadership, tenacity and ability we are confident will flourish in the Premier League.
“Welcome to Palace, Quinten.”
Grealish returns to Everton
Jack Grealish will spend another season at Everton after Manchester City agreed to send the England international back to the Merseyside club on loan.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a productive spell with Everton last season, making 20 Premier League appearances and recording two goals and six assists before a foot injury ended his campaign in February.
Grealish said the reception he received from the club, manager, teammates and supporters played a major role in his decision to return.
“It feels so good. I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved,” Grealish told Everton’s official website.
“That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.”
The Premier League summer transfer window officially shut at midnight on Tuesday.
Any transfers announced after the deadline can only be completed if the necessary documentation was submitted to the relevant authorities before the window closed.
