Premier League champions Manchester City are ready to hand a new one-year contract to 36-year-old Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.
According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Fernandinho could be set for an extended stay at Manchester City beyond the summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola is keen to keep the Brazilian midfielder at the club, and the Premier League champions could offer him a coaching role in addition to a one-year contract to sweeten the deal.
Fernandinho joined Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £30 million deal in July 2013. Since then, the 36-year-old has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. At the same time, the veteran has also enjoyed a productive international career.
To date, the Brazilian midfielder has made 370 appearances for Manchester City, chipping in with 25 goals and 32 assists in the process. The player has also served the Citizens as their club captain following the departures of Vincent Kompany and David Silva. But Fernandinho faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium after entering the final six months of his contract.
Considering he is in the twilight of his illustrious career, Fernandinho is closer to his retirement. However, the Manchester City captain will feel he still has a lot to offer to a club, having been impressive in his 20 outings across all competitions in the ongoing campaign.
But it looks like the Premier League champions are keen on extending the 36-year-old’s stay at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is eager to continue having Fernandinho in his squad in the next season, which is why Manchester City could table a one-year contract to him.
In addition, Manchester City might even offer a role in Guardiola’s coaching staff as an incentive to keep him on board at the Etihad. While they have been heavily linked with the versatile Sergi Roberto as a potential short-term midfield solution, the Citizens could benefit more by keeping Fernandinho at the club, considering he is well-settled.
Instead, Manchester City will be well-served by chasing a long-term option like Declan Rice, a key target for them and Manchester United. As for Fernandinho, it looks like the 36-year-old Brazilian midfielder captain will be staying put at the Etihad for another season.
