Manchester City are looking to keep their reliable defensive midfielder Fernandinho with the club for at least one more season. According to multiple reports, the City will offer the Brazilian a new contract in the near future that would see him staying at Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2023.
The team’s commitment to Fernandinho isn’t surprising despite the fact that he turned 36 in May. He still remains impactful on the field and is a great locker room leader for the club. The Premier League still doesn’t have a replacement for him after striking out on their preferred targets in the summer.
Fernandinho recently revealed that he was close to leaving Manchester after his contract expired in June. He received an offer from his boyhood club Atletico Paranaense and thought about returning to Brazil before deciding to re-sign with City.
“One of the key factors that made us stay is that we are applying for British citizenship,” he shared in an interview with FourFourTwo. “But it’s also a wonderful feeling to captain this club. I take so much pride in it.”
Fernandinho joined Manchester City in 2013 from the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth around $45 million. He quickly became a mainstay in the starting lineup and established himself as one of City’s key players. During his time with the club, he made 356 appearances in all competitions and contributed with 24 goals and 30 assists. Fernandinho also helped City win 12 trophies, including four Premier League titles.
