A number of Manchester City players asked whether Enzo Fernandez would complete a move to the club near the end of the transfer window because they were eager to have him as a team-mate, according to manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea, and the 25-year-old Argentina midfielder moved from the London club to City in a joint-British record £125m deadline-day deal.
The manager said Fernandez is prepared to make his City debut on Saturday, when the team hosts newly promoted Coventry City at Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.
“I know Enzo very well and understand the qualities he can add to this side,” Maresca said.
“He has a winning character and understands what success requires after lifting both the World Cup and the Club World Cup.”
Although Maresca made Fernandez captain during their time at Chelsea, he confirmed that Ruben Dias will succeed the departed Bernardo Silva as City’s skipper. Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma will also form part of the leadership group.
Maresca added: “As I have said, he is a winner, and members of a successful squad are always pleased when another player with that mentality joins them.
“Over the final four or five days, several members of the squad kept asking whether the transfer would happen because they wanted him here with us.
“Having him in the group is extremely important, and we are completely delighted that he has joined.”
Speaking during a club-produced interview, external link on Thursday, Fernandez said it had always been his ambition to represent a club of City’s stature, a remark some interpreted as criticism of Chelsea.
Fernandez had wanted to leave Stamford Bridge since the beginning of the year, and discussions with manager Xabi Alonso during the summer failed to persuade him to reconsider.
Alonso said: “Many situations can develop in football. Enzo and I spoke respectfully throughout the process. His contribution to the club was excellent, but the moment has come for everyone to move on.
“There is quality throughout our squad, and we are now fully prepared for what lies ahead.”
City set a new transfer-window spending record by investing £458m in signings, with £327m used to rebuild the midfield through the arrivals of Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The club also strengthened its first-team options by signing wingers Iliman Ndiaye and Allan, along with reserve goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. However, player departures generated more than £300m in transfer income.
Maresca added: “I greatly appreciate the commitment shown by the owners, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and director of football Hugo Viana. I am extremely pleased.
“Iliman and Enzo joined us during the closing days of the window, so the squad is now complete. Our focus can turn entirely to the work ahead.”
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