Pep Guardiola isn’t ruling out Fernandinho earning himself a new contract at the Etihad despite his advancing years. The Manchester City midfielder recently turned 34 and will likely miss the start of the next campaign – having been away this summer with Brazil at the Copa America tournament.
Fernandinho, who is in the final year of his contract, has proven to be a key component in allowing Guardiola’s side to play the majority of their games on the front foot. City are expected in the coming days to confirm the £60m signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri, seen as the long-term replacement for the hard-working South American.
However, City insiders state Rodri’s arrival doesn’t essentially mean the end for Fernandinho, with his manager believing the Samba veteran could yet prove himself worthy of an extended stay in Manchester. Guardiola is understood to feel the player has the type of engine which could see him playing well into his late thirties, allied to the vital experience he brings to City’s young squad.
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Fernandinho joined the Citizens from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2013 and has gone on to win three Premier League titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup. City will wait until after Christmas before raising the possibility of a 12-month extension but the signs are positive if the Brazilian continues to make a contribution.
