Man City veteran’s timely decision gives Guardiola room to manoeuvre
Multiple reports claim Manchester City captain Fernandinho has spurned the chance to move to South American and will remain at the Etihad Stadium for another season.
The 36-year-old was due to fall out of contact this summer after penning his last deal in January 2020. Despite his advancing years, the Brazil international has played his part in City’s success this season. He has made 11 starts among 19 Premier League appearances while enjoying 33 outings in all competitions.
But it seemed as though his days in Manchester were numbered. There was said to be ‘significant’ interest from South America and Europe.
However, Mike McGrath of the Telegraph is suggesting that Fernandinho will extend his deal and play a ninth season for City. The same outlet states that the defensive midfielder was ‘torn’ over his next move, with so many pre-contract offers.
But it appears as though his mind is now made up and he will wear the light blue of City for another campaign. After moving to the north west from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013, he has epitomised City’s rise to glory.
The Londrina-born ace has made 347 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens. Despite more creative players being on the books, his drive and power in the middle of the pitch has been crucial.
City still eyeing Fernandinho replacement
If the reports are true, Fernandinho’s decision will buy Pep Guardiola some time to try and recruit his long-term successor. The Spanish tactician already has compatriot Rodri on the books.
But it seems as though he wants another man to fill the crucial defensive midfield role. McGrath does not believe that City will bring Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz back to the club via a buy-back clause.
They have been linked with the likes of West Ham’s Declan Rice and Yves Bissouma of Brighton. Bissouma has been tipped to leave the Amex Stadium and is also said to be interesting Arsenal and Liverpool.
Those possible deals are for the future but the one that will please City fans is Fernandinho pledging his future. It was reported back in February that he had been offered the chance to work as an assistant coach alongside Guardiola.
That may well still be a long-term ambition of the player but he is not done yet on the pitch. Another option is a move stateside to play in MLS, with many Premier League players taking that route before hanging up their boots.
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