According to the Telegraph, a Fernandinho contract extension looks set to be in the pipeline for Premier League leaders, Manchester City.
The Brazilian has been at the Etihad, since 2013, having originally joined from Shakhtar Donetsk. He was made Citizens captain at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, following David Silva’s departure.
Fernandinho Contract: Midfielder to Extend Manchester City Stay
Manchester City Career
Fernandinho joined Manchester City in June 2013, for a fee of £34 million. He was Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing and quickly became an integral member of the squad. He has since gone on to make 347 appearances for the Citizens, including 243 in the Premier League.
During that time he has won three (soon to be four) Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and six League Cup trophies. In addition, Fernandinho captained City to a 3-1 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain, guiding his side to their first-ever Champions League final.
When he joined as a 28-year-old, few would have imagined that Fernandinho would continue to make such an impact eight years later at 36. During his tenure at the Etihad, he became part of a core group of senior players, alongside Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero.
New Manchester City Contract
The Brazilian midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the season. However, he now looks set to enter a ninth season in the Premier League. Fernandinho will announce his final decision after the Champions League final. Manchester City will take on Chelsea on May 29, hoping to get their first taste of European silverware.
Fernandinho had revealed pre-contract offers from Europe and South America. Despite initially feeling ‘torn’ over his next move, he now feels that he has more years at the top level. Even if he doesn’t feature as much on the pitch, he will certainly continue to be a big presence in the dressing room.
City in the Market for Long-Term Replacement
Despite signing Rodri from Atletico Madrid last season, City are still looking for a long-term successor to Fernandinho. According to the report, Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli is one of the main targets they are looking at. The 23-year-old has impressed in Serie A this season, as they remain in the hunt for a spot in Europe.
City also have a buy-back option for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. The fee for Luiz stands at £25 million, although it expires in June this year. Guardiola is therefore unlikely to exercise this option should Fernandinho ultimately stay for another year.
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