Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández has spoken openly about his desire to one day return to boyhood club River Plate, just two months after completing a deadline-day move to the Etihad Stadium from Chelsea.
The 25-year-old Argentina international made the comments during an appearance on Los Edul, a YouTube programme hosted by Argentine journalists Gastón Edul and his brother, Esteban. His remarks were relayed by River, el Más Grande.
A promise ‘I stand by’
Fernández, who signed a contract with City running until 2031, insisted his desire to return to the Buenos Aires giants is not simply wishful thinking but a firm intention.
“I want to return to River at some point, I’ve said it several times. I’m going to return, I’m sure of it. It’s something I really want. I stand by my words and what’s on record,” he said.
He went further, explaining the emotional pull of a club where he came through the academy before moving to Europe.
“If I say it, it’s because I feel it and because I know I need to return to win things and enjoy the River Plate world for many more years than I did. Today, I’m here with a long contract at Manchester City. There’s still a long way to go, but it will happen,” he added.
From the Monumental to the Etihad
Fernández’s journey to the Premier League began in 2022, when he left River Plate for Benfica. He stayed in Portugal only a matter of months before Chelsea made their move, signing him in January 2023 for what was then a British transfer record fee.
At Stamford Bridge, he developed into one of the Blues’ most important players, operating primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, and he represented the club under several different head coaches, including Enzo Maresca, who took charge at Chelsea for the 2024–25 season.
That relationship would prove significant. Maresca left Chelsea last season and was appointed Pep Guardiola’s successor as Manchester City head coach in the summer.
Keen to work again with a player he had developed at Chelsea, Maresca pushed for City to pursue Fernández, and the two were reunited when City paid a fee reported at around £125m to sign him on deadline day. The deal made him one of the most expensive midfielders in the competition’s history.
Before his move to Europe, Fernández made more than 50 appearances for River Plate, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists, and won domestic honours with the club during a breakthrough campaign that first alerted European scouts to his talent.
That spell, brief as it was, appears to have left a lasting mark. Even during his time at Chelsea, he regularly referenced his affection for River Plate in interviews and on social media. Therefore, Friday’s comments are another clearest public confirmation that a return remains part of his long-term thinking.
No immediate exit plan
Despite the strength of his comments, Fernández was careful to stress that any move back to Argentina remains some way off.
His focus, for now, is on settling into life at Manchester City under Maresca, with the midfielder having signed a contract that ties him to the club for the next six years.
City will be eager for Fernández to make an immediate impact as Maresca looks to build his own identity at the Etihad following Guardiola’s departure.
The Argentine’s experience of winning trophies at both Chelsea and on the international stage with his national team makes him a central figure in those plans.
