Federico Fernandez (Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have extended the contract of defender Federico Fernandez by one year that would keep him at St. James’ Park until the end of the next season.
Fernandez, 31, came through the youth ranks of Estudiantes and moved to Napoli in the summer of 2011. Initially, he got limited opportunities in Serie A and was sent on loan to Spanish side Getafe. Then, Swansea City signed him in the summer of 2014.
After making 128 appearances for the Swans, the Argentine moved to Tyneside and has been with the Magpies for the last two years. He has featured in 23 league games this term and has been a consistent member in the last few months.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce’s side has not been up to the mark in the Premier League. They started the season on a decent note and were in the upper half of the table until Christmas. Since then, the Magpies have won just 2 of the 11 games and are currently 13th in the league standings.
One of the chief reasons for their poor performance is the lack of goals. The attacking unit has managed to score just 25 so far, joint-lowest in the top-flight this season. However, their defence has done a decent job, despite letting in 40 goals.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles was out for a few games and Fernandez took charge at the back. He has been a valuable option in the heart of the defence for Newcastle. The former Napoli man also scored the winning goals against Southampton back in December and helped the Magpies make a comeback.
The 31-year-old has done well so far despite the team’s inconsistency and has featured for the full 90 minutes in all but one of the last 20 league appearances. After blowing hot and cold in his first season at Newcastle, Fernandez has found his rhythm and has established himself as a key figure at the back under Bruce.
The Magpies can benefit from his experience for another year as he has featured in more games than any of the central defenders in the current squad this term. And the manager should make use of this chance and get the best out of the experienced campaigner in the one year he is set to be at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies have struggled both defensively and offensively throughout the campaign and failed to bring permanent reinforcements in January.
Hence, with Fernandez’s contract extension, the club have done the right thing in securing their defensive unit. And they have to bring in reinforcements to their attack in the summer to bring a change next season.
