The case against
There's a noise building around Enzo Fernandez and a move to Manchester City. The Chelsea midfielder has been linked with a switch to the Etihad, with the Blues reportedly leading the chase for his signature. On paper, it sounds tempting. But look closer, and it's a deal that should worry any City fan.
Let's be honest about his ability. Fernandez is a world-class operator. His passing range is exceptional, his work rate is relentless, and he runs games from the middle of the park. There aren't many better in that role. Yet that's not the point.
The issue is what he brings off the pitch. Fernandez openly courted Real Madrid, and that flirtation earned him an internal ban at Chelsea. It's hard to find a Chelsea supporter with a good word for him. The author of this piece is blunt: Fernandez is one of the most dislikable players in world soccer, and his off-field antics are a turn-off.
City's recent success has been built on togetherness. Fighting for each other, working hard for the club. There have been very few bad eggs in the squad in recent seasons. Signing Fernandez would be the ultimate definition of a bad move, a step away from what has made this team tick.
Even if you ignore the character concerns, the football logic is shaky. If Rodri stays, City don't need Fernandez. If Rodri goes, they still don't need him. The club has already spent big on Elliot Anderson, there's the potential of Ayyoub Bouaddi joining, and current options like Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic are already in place.
Sure, Fernandez is a better player than those names — Rodri aside, naturally. But that's not the question. The question is whether he fits. And the answer, for anyone who cares about what City stands for, is no.
In Maresca we trust, but this is one move that would not go down well among the Blues faithful. I don't care how good he is. I never want to see him pull on a City blue shirt.