Manchester City have witnessed the epitome of success in domestic football over the past couple of seasons. However, they suffered a couple of unforeseen defeats in these early weeks against Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers allowing Liverpool to grab an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.
An injury to Aymeric Laporte exposed them defensively whereas John Stones’ fitness concerns forced Pep Guardiola to line up Fernandinho as a makeshift centre-half alongside Nicolas Otamendi. Although the Brazilian’s contract runs out next summer, his experience and versatility depicted his significance despite the summer arrival of Rodrigo from Atletico Madrid.
While the Spaniard is touted to be Fernandinho’s long-term successor, the club are now keen on extending the latter’s contract for a further 12 months to retain his services. According to the Sun, City are set to discuss fresh terms with the entourage of the Selecao international.
Why Manchester City Need Him At Etihad Beyond This Campaign
Fernandinho, one of the veterans of the current squad, has been a motivating figure for Man City’s rising stars. He joined the Citizens from Shakhtar Donetsk back in the summer of 2013 and is closing in on 300 appearances for them in the centre of the pitch. The 34-year-old professional cemented a starting role despite City’s spending spree and proved irreplaceable due to his mastery week in week out.
They lost Vincent Kompany upon completion of the previous campaign whereas David Silva, the other senior member, has announced that he would exit once his current deal expires next year. Guardiola, therefore, needs to keep hold of Fernandinho for his leadership attributes as well as on-field excellence in spite of being in his mid-thirties.
Would He Agree To Extend His Stay In Manchester?
Fernandinho, a fans’ favourite, was supposed to talk to his suitors in January over a Bosman transfer. But a new deal must tempt him to stretch his stay for a little longer and keep on winning major honours. However, a couple of things might complicate the situation a bit. As per the report, the Man City ace would have to take a slight reduction on his current £120,000-a-week wages.
Also, his gametime might get compromised, and the Brazilian would have to accept a bit-part role in his final months at the club. Having said that, the experienced midfield general should opt for the contract and keep influencing the youngsters to stay and fight for a place in the star-studded squad.
