Several Manchester City players wanted updates on Enzo Fernandez's transfer in the final days of the window, confirming their excitement at playing alongside him, says manager Enzo Maresca. The 25-year-old Argentina international joined City from Chelsea for a joint-British record £125m on deadline day.

Maresca, who previously managed Fernandez at Chelsea, stated the midfielder is "ready" to debut against Coventry City at Etihad Stadium. He praised Fernandez's winner's mentality, citing his World Cup and Club World Cup successes.

Maresca confirmed Ruben Dias as the new City captain, replacing departing Bernardo Silva, with Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma in the leadership group. He noted that four or five squad members were asking about Fernandez's arrival in the final days.

Fernandez, who had expressed dreams of joining City, ended his Chelsea tenure after talks with manager Xabi Alonso failed to change his mind. Alonso acknowledged Fernandez's contributions but stated it was time to move forward. City's record-breaking £458m transfer window included £327m on a revamped midfield featuring Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and Ayyoub Bouaddi.