City’s interest in Enzo Fernandez isn’t new.
Enzo Maresca has wanted a reunion with his former Chelsea midfielder since taking over in the summer, and CaughtOffside reported renewed contact this week, alongside interest in Malo Gusto.
What’s changed is the timing. Fernandez has just left a World Cup final with a red card and his conduct under FIFA investigation.
The sending-off was straightforward enough. Booked initially for dissent toward referee Slavko Vincic, he was shown a second yellow for a high, late challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Argentina to play the last half hour of extra time with ten men.
They obviously lost 1-0. Former FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, has said Fernandez was fortunate not to go earlier.
It sits inside a wider pattern. FIFA has opened a disciplinary case into Argentina’s post-match conduct, with Leandro Paredes accused of throwing punches during Spain’s celebrations. There was also the “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner after the semi-final against England.
Fernandez addressed the tournament on Instagram without mentioning his own red card, but his behaviour in the semi-final against England won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Serial offender…
This is not an isolated incident for him. In 2024, footage emerged of Fernandez and Argentina team-mates singing a discriminatory chant about France’s squad after winning the Copa America — several of whom play for Chelsea.
The French federation pursued legal action. Fernandez apologised publicly and to his teammates directly. Kick It Out stayed in contact with the club over how it was handled.
The football case for signing him is not in question. Fernandez has been among the Premier League’s most productive central midfielders for two seasons running, ranking near the top of the division for combined goals and assists. He and Maresca know each other well from Stamford Bridge.
That’s the trade-off.
On the pitch, no problem.
Off it, a player carrying a serious prior controversy and a new one from the sport’s biggest stage.
Nothing suggests a move is close — City’s interest is dormant rather than active, and Chelsea are said to value him at around £120m.
But if it does move, City fans won’t just be debating whether he strengthens the midfield. They’ll be debating what signing him says about the club with Maresca is building.
