Deadline Day Done and Dusted

The transfer window has slammed shut, and City have made their statement. A new club-record £125 million has been committed to bring Enzo Fernandez to the Etihad, a deal that was not only a financial landmark but, according to Enzo Maresca, one that has energised the dressing room.

The negotiations were a saga in themselves. Chelsea's asking price shifted around like a tide, starting at £120 million in mid-August before creeping up to £135 million as the market neared its close. City's initial offer of £104 million plus add-ons was ultimately swept aside, with the final figure eclipsing the £116 million paid for Elliot Anderson in July.

Maresca, speaking after the window closed, was candid about the buzz around the Argentine. "I know Enzo quite well, I know what he can bring to the team," he said. "He's a winner, has a winning mentality, he knows how to win - World Cup, Club World Cup."

Perhaps the most telling insight was the manager's revelation about the squad's reaction. "I can promise you in the last four or five days, four or five players were asking if he's coming or not, because they wanted him with us!"

Fernandez is not just a name on a contract; he is ready to play. Maresca confirmed the midfielder will be available for selection as soon as this weekend, potentially making his debut in Sky Blue almost immediately.

The manager was quick to spread the credit around, expressing his happiness with the backing from the ownership, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and Hugo Viana. "Very happy for the effort from the ownership, Khaldoon, Hugo," he said.

Ndiaye Adds Another Dimension

Fernandez was not the only arrival in the final days of the window. Iliman Ndiaye, who turned down an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to join City in a £65 million package, has also been brought in to bolster the forward line.

The 26-year-old Senegal international is viewed as a versatile option, but he will provide direct competition for Jeremy Doku, who has been sidelined with a calf injury. Maresca has been impressed early on: "He's so good! In the last two days, you can see already how good he is in terms of one-v-one, the last third, inside the box."

With Ndiaye and Fernandez through the door, Maresca declared the squad complete. "In the last days, Iliman and Enzo arrived, and now the squad is complete, it's finished, and now it's time to work!"

There is also a nod to the future, with Brazilian starlet Allan Elias in contention for his first outing following a €40 million move from Palmeiras.