According to a report by footballTransfers on Saturday October 31, 2026, Enzo Fernández has reaffirmed his desire to return to River Plate, the club where his professional career began, while stressing that he remains focused on Manchester City for now.

The Argentina international joined City from Chelsea this summer in a reported €145 million transfer, described in the supplied article as a Premier League record fee.

He spent 15 years at River Plate and made 53 first-team appearances before moving to Europe, joining Benfica in 2022.

Speaking on the Argentine programme Los Edul, Fernández said a return to his former club remains a personal ambition.

“I want to return to River at some point. I’ve said it several times, and I’m sure I will,” he said, according to Sport Witness. “It’s something I really want. I stand by what I’ve said and what’s on record.”

Fernández explained that his wish is about more than nostalgia. He hopes to compete for trophies and experience the club’s atmosphere again for longer than he did during his first spell.

The midfielder also made clear that he is not suggesting an immediate departure from City. His contract runs until 2031, and he acknowledged that there is still a long way to go before any return could happen. Since arriving at the Etihad on 1 September, he has scored once in 10 appearances.

A move away from City next year appears unlikely, barring a major change in circumstances.

The article suggests that Fernández’s return to River is more likely to come later in his career, when he is ready to leave European football.

Meanwhile, several other City players face uncertainty over their futures. Rayan Aït-Nouri has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United after finding regular playing time hard to secure.

Rico Lewis could also be considered for a sale if he continues to have a limited role. Mateo Kovačić’s future may depend on whether City offer him a contract extension; otherwise, he could leave when his deal expires.

For now, Fernández’s message is clear: he intends to honour his commitment to City, but a return to River Plate remains a promise he hopes to fulfil one day.