Archive · 3 Sep 2026
How Manchester City's Fernández Transfer Reshaped Four Clubs' Summers
Four big football clubs made transfer decisions that became linked together.
Manchester City bought Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for £125 million.
Chelsea then used that money to buy Manu Kone from Roma.
Chelsea also sold Andrey Santos to Manchester United for £48 million.
Liverpool spent £123 million on Bradley Barcola after following him for several years.
Manchester City made other expensive purchases but also earned more than £286 million from selling players.
Manchester United spent about £218 million on several new players, especially midfielders.
The clubs used different plans, but each focused on solving particular squad problems.
Manchester City signed Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for £125 million, matching the Premier League transfer record.
Chelsea quickly used the Fernández fee to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone for £52 million, with Jamie Gittens joining Roma on loan.
City also bought Elliot Anderson for £116 million and Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85.6 million, while raising more than £286 million through sales.
Liverpool made Bradley Barcola its main signing for £123 million after tracking him since 2023, alongside several defensive and squad additions.
Manchester United spent roughly $280 million, or about £218 million, to rebuild its midfield and cleared out around 24 players.
- Who
- Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, along with players including Enzo Fernández, Manu Kone, Bradley Barcola and Andrey Santos.
- What
- The clubs completed major summer transfer deals, with Fernández's move from Chelsea to Manchester City directly influencing Chelsea's signing of Kone.
- When
- During the 2026 summer transfer window; specific deals were completed during the summer.
- Where
- The transfers involved clubs in England, France, Italy and Spain, including Manchester, London, Paris and Rome.
- Why
- The clubs were addressing squad needs: City strengthened midfield, Chelsea replaced Fernández, Liverpool pursued a long-term target, and United rebuilt central midfield.
- Manchester City signing
- Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for £125 million.
- Premier League fee
- Fernández's £125 million transfer equalled the Premier League record.
- Chelsea replacement
- Manu Kone arrived from Roma for £52 million after Fernández's departure.
- Liverpool marquee signing
- Bradley Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million.
- Manchester United spending
- United spent roughly $280 million, or around £218 million, on incomings.
- Manchester City sales
- City generated more than £286 million in sales, including Rodri's £65 million move to Barcelona.
- Manchester United clear-out
- United moved on approximately 24 players through loans, permanent transfers and expiring contracts.