Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager to reunite with a midfielder he knows all too well | OneFootball

Throughout the summer transfer window, Manchester City have been linked with moves for players that Enzo Maresca worked with during his time as Chelsea manager. The latest of those players is Enzo Fernandez. The Athletic reported earlier today that City have a strong interest in signing the combative, feisty and technically gifted midfielder. Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Maresca is eager to reunite with Enzo Fernandez at Manchester City. Maresca knows Fernandez extremely well in terms of what he would add to his squad as a player and in terms of his personality. Perhaps, the chance of City signing Enzo Fernandez isn’t as far-fetched as first thought.

Enzo Maresca has had his eyes on signing Enzo Fernandez from the beginning of this summer’s transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Enzo Maresca has been eager to bring Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City since this summer’s transfer window opened. Furthermore, Romano reports that this was the case before Barcelona made their move to sign Rodri. However, it is also reported that the deal hinges on Chelsea’s asking price to sell the Argentinian international. Chelsea have set the fee at £120 million to sell Enzo Fernandez and they would be happy to keep Fernandez for next season.

In a separate report, Romano has added that Manchester City have made contact with Enzo Fernandez’s camp. Once again, Romano reiterates that City’s move is dependent on Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate on their £120 million asking price. Manchester City are reportedly hoping to open negotiations with Chelsea if they are to move for Enzo Fernandez.

If anyone knows what Fernandez would add to the Manchester City squad it is Maresca.

Enzo Fernandez made 79 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea while Enzo Maresca was their manager. He scored 15 goals and added 19 assists during that time. In terms of what Enzo Fernandez could bring to Manchester City, both as a midfielder and in terms of his personality, Maresca is well qualified to judge both of these aspects of the Argentinian midfielder.

There has been concern about the type of personality that Enzo Fernandez is in terms of whether or not Manchester City would, or should, move for him, or if he fits the personality profile of a City signing. Fernandez has previously been embroiled in a racist and homophobic slur scandal in 2024 after Argentina won the Copa America. Also, Fernandez made himself a World Cup villain with a provocative social media post after Argentina beat England in their World Cup semi-final tie during the 2026 World Cup. Enzo Fernandez has made himself a lightning rod for controversy there is no doubt about that.

Having said that, Enzo Maresca knows Enzo Fernandez well. If there were major concerns over the personality of the Argentinian international, it is doubtful that the Manchester City manager would be pushing to add him to his squad. Perhaps, Enzo Fernandez doesn’t pass the smell test for some as he is a divisive figure. What isn’t in doubt is that Enzo Fernandez is a proven performer at the highest level. Is that enough alone to justify a Manchester City move for Enzo Fernandez? That answer isn’t an easy one to determine given the nature of the incidents that Enzo Fernandez has been previously involved in.

Final thoughts.

Enzo Maresca remains eager to add Enzo Fernandez to his Manchester City squad. Chelsea’s asking price remains the biggest impediment to any potential move. What isn’t in doubt is that Maresca would know exactly the type of player and personality he’d be signing in Enzo Fernandez if the move came together. It now remains to be seen if City do intend on making their move to add a different dynamic to their midfield.