The summer transfer window ended with a dramatic rush of last-minute business across the Premier League, with Manchester City completing the blockbuster signing of Enzo Fernández from Chelsea while several other clubs secured major deals before the deadline.

Fernández became the biggest headline of deadline day after City completed his move from Chelsea for a British-record-equalling £125 million. The Argentina international signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

The 25-year-old midfielder now reunites with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Chelsea. Fernández arrives in Manchester after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders and helping Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Fernández said he was delighted to join City and eager to help the club win more trophies. He also praised the club’s organisation and quality, describing the move as an exciting new challenge in his career.

The transfer also marked a significant financial commitment from City, who have undergone an extensive squad rebuild during the summer. The club spent heavily on midfield reinforcements, with Fernández joining Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the major additions. City also completed the signing of Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on a five-year deal.

Chelsea oversee major deadline-day departures

Chelsea were among the busiest clubs as the window closed, with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez completing a season-long loan move to Italian side Como.

Sánchez joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the London club. He was part of the squads that won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup before heading to Serie A for the new season.

Chelsea also allowed Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk to leave on loan, with Tottenham Hotspur securing his services for the season.

Mudryk’s move to Spurs gives him an opportunity to restart his career after a difficult spell at Chelsea. He will reunite with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached him at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The loan deal reportedly includes an option for Tottenham to make the move permanent, giving the north London club the opportunity to assess the winger before deciding on a permanent transfer.

Tottenham also completed the permanent signing of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo for £7 million, making the deadline day particularly busy between the two London clubs.

Sunderland, meanwhile, won a dramatic race for Belgian winger Malick Fofana, completing a deal with Lyon worth almost £30 million.

The 21-year-old became Sunderland’s fifth signing of the summer and is expected to bring pace and attacking creativity to the club. Fofana had attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Arsenal, but Sunderland eventually secured his signature after a late tussle on deadline day.

Crystal Palace also strengthened their midfield by signing Netherlands international Quinten Timber on a contract running until 2031. The 25-year-old joined after spells with Marseille and Feyenoord.

Another notable move saw Jack Grealish return to Everton on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.

Grealish spent the previous campaign at Everton and made 20 Premier League appearances, scoring twice and providing six assists before a foot injury ended his season prematurely. His return gives Everton another experienced attacking option as they continue their campaign under manager David Moyes.

The deadline day activity followed a record-breaking summer for Premier League clubs, who spent about £3.46 billion on transfers, surpassing the previous spending record for a second consecutive year. Manchester City led the spending with about £458 million, while Chelsea and other leading clubs also invested heavily in reshaping their squads.

The English transfer window officially closed at 11pm UK time on Tuesday, September 1, although clubs were allowed to complete certain deals after the deadline if the required documentation had been submitted on time.

With the window now closed, clubs must work with the squads they have assembled as the 2026/27 Premier League season progresses.

For City, the arrival of Fernández represents one of the biggest statements of the summer. For Chelsea, his departure marks the end of a major chapter and leaves the club without a direct replacement for the Argentine midfielder.

Tottenham, Sunderland, Everton and other clubs also used the final hours to strengthen their squads, ensuring that the 2026 transfer window ended with the same intensity that characterised much of the summer.