Manchester City turned down chance to sign World Cup winner, claims City Football Group Director

Manchester City rejected the opportunity to sign Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to City Football Group Director Joan Patsy.

Fernandez, who has risen to stardom as part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad, was linked with a possible move to Manchester City before completing a switch to Benfica in June.

The 21 year-old made seven appearances for Argentina in Qatar, starting the final against France at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

Benfica signed the midfielder from River Plate for an initial €10 million, with Fernandez penning a five-year contract with the Portuguese club.

The young midfielder was reportedly a target for reigning Premier League Champions Manchester City, who signed Julian Alvarez from River Plate in January 2022.

Alvarez has made a formidable start to life under Pep Guardiola, scoring seven goals since his switch in the summer.

The Blues could however have made a double swoop from River Plate, with City Football Group Director Joan Patsy revealing that the club turned down the opportunity to also sign Fernandez.

“Man City could’ve signed Enzo Fernández,” admitted Patsy.

“But what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad? He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica, but we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play.”

Fernandez has made 13 Liga Portugal appearances for Benfica so far this season, scoring once and assisting on three occasions.

The World Cup winner has also registered two assists in the UEFA Champions League, featuring on five occasions.

The 21 year-old is expected to be subject to transfer talk in the near future, although it is unknown at this stage whether City would reignite their interest in the midfielder.