Why Manchester City should offer Fernandinho a contract extension

According to The Sun, Brazilian Fernandinho has hinted that he could extend his current Manchester City contract by another year.

The veteran City midfielder, who turns 35 next month, had earlier signed a new contract extension that will keep him tied to the club until 2021. Having joined City in a £30m deal from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2013, Fernandinho has been a regular presence at the Etihad.

A veteran of a whopping 304 appearances for City, there is no questioning the Brazilian’s experience. A defensive midfielder by trade, Fernandinho has also contributed to his side with 23 goals and 25 assists to date.

The veteran Brazilian has had a career to look back with City, winning as many as nine major honours.

Fernandinho seems to be ageing like fine wine, still remaining one of the key members in the squad, despite his advancing years. This includes three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and five League Cups.

Fernandinho still a top-performer at Manchester City

The Brazilian was instrumental in City’s domestic treble-winning campaign last year under Pep Guardiola and has been a key player for them this season also.

He has played an overall 31 matches for the defending champions. A defensive midfielder by trade, Fernandinho has mostly featured in the centre-back role alongside the inconsistent Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones, due to Aymeric Laporte’s injury.

Despite, playing out of his favoured position, Fernandinho has helped Man City to nine clean sheets in his 23 league appearances. Even at this age, he remains one of the most consistent players in the side. An inspiration for the side’s young midfielders such as Rodri and Phil Foden, it is no wonder Guardiola has handed him the captain’s armband nine times this season.

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In Fernandinho, Guardiola has a leader and an utility player. Given that he is still performing consistently at a high level, extending his contract would be the right move for City..

Verdict

Fernandinho is a Premier League legend, who is still at the top of his game. His top-notch consistency and experience can act as a confidence booster to the side’s younger talents. The player is committed to the side and has proven it all these years. Hence, City should definitely offer him a new deal.