Kevin De Bruyne has played down comparisons between himself and Enzo Fernández after the Argentine midfielder completed his high-profile move to Manchester City from Chelsea.

Fernández joined City for £125 million, a British record-equalling transfer fee, as the club continued its major midfield rebuild. The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract after leaving Chelsea.

His arrival has inevitably led to comparisons with De Bruyne, who became one of Manchester City’s most influential players during his decade at the club.

But the Belgian midfielder has questioned whether Fernández is ready to be regarded as his successor.

Speaking to Nieuwsblad, De Bruyne acknowledged Fernández’s ability but said the comparisons were premature.

He described Fernández as a good player with quality and potential, while making clear that he did not believe the Argentine was currently at the level he had reached during his Manchester City career.

The comments come as Fernández begins a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium under manager Enzo Maresca.

Fernández previously worked with Maresca at Chelsea, where he became an important part of the midfield.

His transfer to City was one of the biggest deals of the summer window. The fee equalled the British transfer record and made Fernández one of the most expensive players in football history.

The midfielder’s move also carried additional symbolism after City handed him the No.17 shirt.

The number had been closely associated with De Bruyne during his Manchester City career.

Fernández, however, said his decision to wear the number was connected to his own history rather than an attempt to replicate De Bruyne.

He explained that No.17 was his first shirt number with Argentina and therefore had personal significance.

De Bruyne’s comments underline the scale of the challenge facing Fernández.

The Belgian spent 10 years at City, winning multiple domestic and international trophies and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders.

Fernández arrives with his own considerable credentials.

He is a World Cup winner with Argentina and enjoyed a productive 2025-26 campaign with Chelsea before completing his move to Manchester.

City have made significant changes to their squad following Pep Guardiola’s departure and the club’s pursuit of another Premier League title.

The signing of Fernández is part of that wider rebuilding project.

The Argentine midfielder has welcomed the opportunity and said he was ready to help City compete for trophies.

For Fernández, however, the immediate challenge is not simply replacing a famous name.

He must establish his own identity in a Manchester City midfield that has undergone major changes.

De Bruyne’s assessment means expectations around the £125 million signing are unlikely to disappear.

Fernández will now have the opportunity to answer those questions on the pitch.