Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid move for Enzo Fernandez fell short as Manchester City signed him | OneFootball

Real Madrid have opened the season strongly, yet Jose Mourinho’s plans for a midfield upgrade were hit when Enzo Fernandez joined Manchester City instead of heading to the Bernabeu.

The Athletic reports that Fernandez was Mourinho’s preferred target to reshape the centre of the pitch, with the coach seeking specific profiles that the club did not secure.

City moved quickly and completed a deal worth almost €150 million to prise the Argentina international from Chelsea, ending any prospect of a Madrid switch. The move also made Fernandez the first player to record two transfers in his career valued at over €100 million.

In the aftermath, Madrid publicly distanced themselves from the speculation by issuing a statement saying they had no interest in the World Cup 2022 winner, a stance that appeared aimed at protecting the current squad.

Mourinho’s frustration was heightened by a failed push for another Spanish midfield lynchpin, with Madrid heavily linked to Rodri before the player chose Barcelona.

Even so, the absence of a marquee arrival has opened the door for Jude Bellingham to shoulder greater responsibility. He has combined well with Eduardo Camavinga, adding balance and bite to ensure Los Blancos remain competitive at the highest level.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”