Man City beaten in 'game of bluff' over 'extraordinary' summer transfer - Stefan Borson

Manchester City were forced to pay an "extraordinary" fee for a player who has not had enough time to convince supporters.

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea were on the better end of the Enzo Fernandez deal.

The 25-year-old netted his first goal in City colours during the eight-goal thriller with Sunderland, having opened his assist account against Porto.

Enzo Maresca was the driving force behind bringing the Argentine to the Etihad Stadium, with the Citizens eventually splashing £125million on his signature.

This was after the Blues issued a statement of no-sale, but City were able to reach an agreement with their Premier League rivals before the transfer window slammed shut.

Despite his early displays, Borson is still yet to be convinced, stating that it is Chelsea who won the "game of bluff" during the summer.

Chelsea forced Man City into an 'extraordinary' fee

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson believes that Fernandez had already cut all his ties at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea still managed to get an eye-watering fee for him.

"I do think City unnecessarily overpaid, given that I think Chelsea were largely bluffing both in two ways actually," he said.

"One in respect to their need to sell financially, but also on the other side, the fact that the player, I don't think he was part of the manager's plans.

"Two, he had fallen out with most of the dressing room. So I think there was a game of bluff going on. Ultimately, you have to say Chelsea won the game of bluff by getting an extraordinary fee on the last day.

"But the flipside of that is City's midfield looks a lot better with him than three weeks ago. And if they keep winning then nobody's going to care about the fee."

What has an ex-scout noticed about Enzo Fernandez?

Bryan King has been speaking to Football Insider about Fernandez's early displays at the Etihad Stadium, and his verdict couldn't be anymore positive.

The ex-scout believes that the midfielder looked "mystified" during his time at Stamford Bridge, whereas now, he looks to be enjoying his football.

Alongside Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, Fernandez appears to have a newfound confidence, and that is all thanks to Maresca's trust in him.

With one goal and one assist in his first four games, it won't be long until the team is depending on him for moments of creativity in the final third.