Manchester City’s blockbuster summer signing wanted Real Madrid ‘at all costs’ but club said no

Manchester City’s blockbuster summer signing wanted Real Madrid ‘at all costs’ but club said no Enzo Fernandez reportedly saw Real Madrid as a potential escape route from Chelsea before Manchester City eventually emerged as his destination this summer. According to AS , the Argentine midfielder was determined to leave Stamford Bridge and believed there could be an opening for him at the Spanish giants.  Fernandez even made his interest known and flirted with the possibility of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu ‘at all costs’. Real Madrid, however, did not share the same enthusiasm.  In fact, it is important to remember that the Spanish club publicly denied interest in the midfielder, closing off the route Fernandez had hoped would lead him away from Chelsea. That rejection ultimately helped influence the transfer picture.  Enzo Fernandez wanted Real Madrid move ‘at all costs’. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) With Real Madrid out of the equation, Manchester City were able to take advantage of the situation and complete a blockbuster deal for the former Benfica and River Plate player. Real Madrid shut the door on Fernandez Fernandez’s desire to leave Chelsea was clear from the early stages of the transfer window.  He believed Real Madrid represented a realistic opportunity, but the Spanish club’s response made it clear that there was no reciprocal interest. The situation left Fernandez with fewer options, and the Premier League became the most realistic destination.  Manchester City were waiting in the background and eventually moved decisively to secure his signature. Enzo Fernandez ultimately signed for Manchester City. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) The report suggests the midfielder’s flirtation with Madrid ultimately proved a mistake, as the club’s refusal to engage narrowed his choices considerably. Manchester City turn rejection into opportunity Manchester City capitalised on the circumstances to land Fernandez for €145 million, a fee that could eventually rise further with additional payments. The transfer has also pushed Fernandez into elite territory when it comes to the money generated by his career moves.  His three transfers have now produced a combined €310 million, placing him third in the all-time ranking of players who have generated the most transfer income. Only Neymar and Romelu Lukaku sit above him. Neymar has generated €400 million across three transfers, while Lukaku has reached €375 million through ten separate deals.