Manchester City star Fernandinho is reportedly closing in on completing a summer switch to Brazilian giants Athletico Paranaense.
According to Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Manchester City midfield general Fernandinho is nearing a return to Brazil by joining Athletico Paranaense in the summer transfer window.
The 37-year-old started his career at the Brazilian outfit, before moving to Europe by joining Shakhtar Donetsk in 2005. Fernandinho spent eight years in Ukraine before moving to Manchester City in 2013.
Fernandinho has since been a key cog in the Citizens’ fortunes, helping them to several major trophies under various managers. He has since made 382 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 26 goals and assisting 33 more. A defensive midfielder by trade, the veteran has been a rock in the middle of the park and has on more than one occasion added steel to the Manchester City side.
The arrival of Spanish ace Rodri has seen Fernandinho take a back seat in recent seasons, and he has largely been used as an option off the bench this campaign. The 37-year-old’s Manchester City contract will expire this summer, and he looks set to exit the Etihad and return to his homeland.
Fernandinho will leave Manchester City as free agent this summer and Atletico Paranaense are now close to reach full agreement to sign him. Talks in progress with player's camp for his comeback. ?? #MCFC
Fernandinho wants to return to Brazil together with his family. pic.twitter.com/fe4tH4EB8u
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2022
Talks with the Brazilian giants appear to be progressing well, and it would appear to be just a matter of time before it is made official. Returning to the Arena da Baixada will see the 37-year-old’s career come full circle. He already has nine caps for the Furacao and will add to it in the coming months. While Fernandinho might be in the latter part of his career, he still has a few years left in him.
Fernandinho’s exit marks the end of an era at Manchester City. He is the last of the key players from the squad that Pep Guardiola inherited in 2016. The likes of Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva have left a legacy of success at the Etihad, and Fernandinho is no different.
The Brazilian midfield general is a much-loved figure at Manchester City, and tributes have poured in ahead of his imminent exit. Both as a player and as a leader, there is little doubt that he will be missed by the blue half of Manchester. For now, a return to Brazil awaits the player and his family, and given the years they spent in Europe, it is nothing short of a victorious homecoming.