Back
Enzo Fernández has reaffirmed his intention to return to River Plate at some point in his career, making it clear that his connection with the Argentine club remains strong despite his recent move to Manchester City. The midfielder, however, has stressed that his immediate priority is to establish himself at the Premier League side rather than pursue a return to South America.
According to FootballTransfers on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Fernández discussed his long-term ambition during an appearance on the Argentine programme Los Edul. He explained that representing River Plate again is something he has consistently expressed a desire to achieve and remains determined to fulfil.
“I want to return to River at some point. I've said it several times, and I'm sure I will,” the 25-year-old said, according to Sport Witness. “It's something I really want. I stand by what I've said and what's on record.”
Fernández’s attachment to River Plate is rooted in the years he spent developing his career at the club. He was associated with the Argentine side for 15 years and made 53 appearances for its senior team before moving to Benfica in 2022 to begin the next stage of his European career.
His eventual return would mean more than simply revisiting his former club. The Argentina international hopes to compete for trophies and experience the atmosphere surrounding River Plate once again. He also suggested that his earlier spell did not last as long as he would have wanted, giving him another reason to consider a future reunion.
Nevertheless, Fernández is not seeking an immediate departure from Manchester City. He joined the club from Chelsea during the summer in a reported €145 million transfer, described in the report as a Premier League record fee. His contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2031, providing a clear indication of the club’s long-term commitment to him.
Since completing the move on September 1, he has scored once in 10 appearances. An exit next year is therefore considered unlikely unless circumstances at City change unexpectedly. A return to River Plate is instead viewed as a possibility for the later stages of his playing career, when he decides to bring his European journey to a close.
Meanwhile, City may have other squad decisions to address. Rayan Aït-Nouri has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United amid concerns about his limited playing opportunities. Rico Lewis could also reassess his position if regular minutes remain difficult to secure, while Mateo Kovačić’s future may depend on whether the club offers him a contract extension.
For now, Fernández remains focused on Manchester City, but his comments confirm that returning to River Plate remains an important personal ambition.