Premier League clubs have officially shattered the previous transfer spending record, surpassing the £3.1 billion mark in a single window as a frantic deadline day saw
The deal for Fernandez, which saw City pay Chelsea £125 million, matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool for Alexander Isak last year. The move reunites the midfielder with Maresca, following months of speculation regarding his future at Stamford Bridge. City’s recruitment drive also included the £65 million signing of Senegal forward
A Major Midfield Overhaul at the Etihad
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised the arrival of Fernandez, describing him as a complete midfielder who possesses technical ability, tenacity, and a proven eye for goal. The Argentine is set to anchor a significantly revamped midfield unit alongside recent arrivals Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the trio representing a combined investment exceeding £200 million.
For Ndiaye, the move to Manchester represents the pinnacle of his career thus far. The forward expressed his determination to make an impact, stating that he has worked his entire life for such an opportunity and is eager to contribute to the club's ambitions. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s efforts to secure a replacement for Fernandez faltered after a deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara collapsed. The London club did, however, secure the future signing of 18-year-old Italian defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for £40 million, with the player set to join in 2027 following a loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Busy Deadline Day Across the Premier League
Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool’s deadline day proved frustrating as they failed to secure targets including Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh. This leaves Cody Gakpo at the club despite interest from both Manchester City and Tottenham. Liverpool did manage to sign 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, who will remain on loan at Genk, following their earlier £123 million acquisition of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Aston Villa made significant moves by securing winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG for £47 million and Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis for £29 million. Tottenham Hotspur focused on loan deals, bringing in Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk and securing Tosin Adarabioyo for £7 million. Meanwhile, Newcastle United invested £51 million in Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille as part of their ongoing squad reconstruction, and Everton welcomed Jack Grealish back on a loan deal.
