Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed new signing Enzo Fernandez will not be part of the club's leadership group for the 2026-27 campaign. The clarification came as the £125 million midfielder prepares for his potential debut against Coventry City this Saturday.
Maresca addressed the situation in a report published by Independent Football this week. The manager stated that while Fernandez is a significant addition, the established leadership structure will remain unchanged. Club captain Ruben Dias will continue to wear the armband, supported by Erling Haaland as second in command. Defender Marc Guehi is third, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma fourth in the pecking order.
The hierarchy is set for the season ahead as City look to build on a perfect start. They currently sit first in the Premier League with six points from two wins, scoring six goals and conceding just two. Dias's role as captain is central to maintaining standards. Haaland's position as vice-captain recognises his influence and goalscoring record. Guehi and Donnarumma provide further experience within a squad that Maresca now considers complete after the deadline-day arrivals of Fernandez and Iliman.
All indications point to this weekend. Maresca confirmed the 25-year-old Argentina international is ready and could feature against Coventry. "He's a winner," Maresca said of his new midfielder. "When you belong to a squad, and a winning player arrives, you are always happy." The manager also revealed the existing squad's excitement about the signing, noting players had been asking if Fernandez was joining. The reunion at the Etihad Stadium is one Maresca is particularly pleased about, having worked with the player previously.
The move materialised on transfer deadline day after Fernandez was omitted from Chelsea's matchday squads for games against Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso commented on the departure, acknowledging the midfielder's contributions but stating the club had to "move forward." Alonso emphasised that Chelsea have quality players in every position and are ready to compete. The substantial £125 million fee represents a major investment by Manchester City's ownership, signalling their intent to strengthen an already dominant side.
After the Coventry match, attention turns immediately to a major Premier League clash. City travel to face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13th. United currently sit 10th in the table, making the derby a critical early-season test. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's fixtures page. Maintaining their start will be the objective as they head into a busy period.
Fernandez's integration into a winning environment is the immediate focus. His quality is not in doubt, but his role will be to contribute on the pitch rather than in a formal leadership capacity. The team's strong early form, provides a solid platform for his introduction. Manchester City's next match is away to Manchester United on September 13, 2026.
