Report: Man City agree contract for ‘extraordinary’ player to stay with Guardiola club

Add as preferred source on Google

Man City have agreed a new contract with summer free-agent Fernandinho, according to the Daily Mail.

The Brazilian will sign a one-year deal to remain at the Etihad Stadium for a ninth season. Pep Guardiola was keen to keep Fernandinho, as his leadership was key to the club reaching the Champions League final.

Guardiola considers Fernandinho to be an invaluable part of his squad, after also helping to clinch the Premier League title last term. The 36-year-old’s new deal will likely be confirmed before pre-season, as his current term expire later this month.

Man City have also discussed Fernandinho moving into a backroom role at the Etihad once his playing career is over. But the midfielder is keen to elongate his time on the pitch for as long as possible before making a decision.

Prior reports by the Mirror had claimed Fernandinho could reject a one-year contract to stay with Guardiola at Man City. He was holding out for a two-year extension after receiving offers from European and South American sides.

But Man City appear to have reached an agreement with Fernandinho, keeping their £34million signing with Guardiola for another year. The former Shakhtar Donetsk anchor started 22 of his 37 appearances across all competitions last season.

TBR’s view: Guardiola had to keep Fernandinho at Man City

While Man City previously faced an impasse in negotiations over a new contract, Guardiola had to keep Fernandinho at the club. The Spanish coach values what the Brazilian brings too highly to have allowed him to leave as a free agent.

Guardiola would have needed to search high and low for someone who can match the leadership Fernandinho offers Man City. He is central to player meetings at the Etihad and key to welcoming new arrivals to the club.

Guardiola also continues to admire what Fernandinho offers Man City on the pitch. He could barely contain his praise while speaking after the Brazilian played an instrumental cameo role during his side’s Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Paris Saint-Germain.

“He was incredible,” Guardiola said, via ManCity.com. “We adjusted a little bit to give support to John [Stones] and Ruben [Dias].

“He was so good – he was really, really good. It was his birthday. It’s a big present. He has been an extraordinary captain this season, leading us in the bad moments [and] he played really, really well.”

Guardiola can now continue to rely on Fernandinho and his leadership at Man City next season, it seems, after agreeing on a new contract. A decision the Citizens simply had to make.