Transfer deadline: Enzo completes City move, Chelsea loan Sanchez, Mudryk, Fofana joins Sunderland, others

Manchester City completed the signing of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández from Chelsea on Tuesday as the summer transfer window closed with a flurry of high-profile moves across the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Fernández joined City on a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031, bringing an end to his spell at Chelsea.

The Argentina international, who won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America, said he was eager to continue winning trophies after joining Enzo Maresca’s side.

“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.

“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.

“I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.

“If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player,” he said.

On the club website, City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, described Fernández as a “complete midfielder” and said the club believed he would improve the squad.

“At Manchester City, we are always looking to bring in world-class players and Enzo fits the bill,” Viana said.

“He is a complete midfielder: technically gifted, hardworking, tenacious and a goalscorer.

“To have played in two World Cup finals and won major trophies in multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism and technical quality.

“We are delighted to bring him here and feel very strongly he will improve our team,” he noted.

Elsewhere, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez completed a season-long loan move to Serie A side Como after making 112 appearances for the Blues since joining from Brighton and Hove Albion in August 2023.

Sanchez was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup before his temporary move to Italy.

Ukraine international Mykhailo Mudryk also secured a season-long loan move, where he will reunite with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, having previously worked under the Italian manager earlier in his career.

“It’s a great feeling. I can’t wait to start training and playing for the Club, and I’m so excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi,” Mudryk said.

“I’m a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas. I want to make the fans excited.”

De Zerbi said he was looking forward to working with the Ukrainian forward again.

“Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team,” De Zerbi said.

“He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent.”

Fofana joins Sunderland

Belgian winger Malick Fofana, meanwhile, joined Sunderland from Olympique Lyonnais on a long-term contract.

The 21-year-old, Sunderland’s fifth signing of the summer window, made 82 appearances for Lyon, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists.

Sunderland Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi said, “Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

“He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.”

Quinten Timber joins Palace

Crystal Palace also announced the signing of Netherlands international Quinten Timber on a contract until 2031.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who has won 13 caps for the Netherlands, joins Palace after featuring for Marseille and Feyenoord.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said, “With vast experience of representing his club and country at the highest level, Quinten is a player whose leadership, tenacity and ability we are confident will flourish in the Premier League.

“Welcome to Palace, Quinten.”

Jack Grealish returned to Everton on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the 2026/27 season after spending the previous campaign with the Merseyside club.

The 30-year-old England international made 20 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, scoring twice and providing six assists before a foot injury in February brought his campaign to an early end.

“It feels so good. I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved,” Grealish told Everton’s official website.

“That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.”

Meanwhile, Premier League summer transfer window officially closed at midnight on Tuesday, meaning any deals announced afterwards would only be completed and confirmed if the required transfer documents had been submitted to the relevant authorities before the deadline.