Why finalising a new deal for this midfielder is important for Manchester City’s upcoming season

Why Manchester City must finalise a new deal for Fernandinho

It was a little surprising to see Vincent Kompany leave Manchester City in the summer and the Premier League champions not opting to sign a replacement.

The Belgian was one of the best to have graced the Premier League, and not having another centre-back is harming City this season. Importantly, Kompany’s leadership qualities are also being missed in the team as the Cityzens are eight points behind Liverpool already.

City do have several quality players in the team, but experienced members are not easy to replace. While the Cityzens struggle to get their defenders back in shape, Fernandinho has had to shift to that position this season.

The Brazilian is possibly the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League but has to perform a role at the back now. He wasn’t helped by Nicolas Otamendi in the loss to Wolves recently but should play a few more games in that position.

The Brazilian is out of a contract at the end of the season, and the Sun reports that City will offer him a 12-month deal to keep him. City are already losing a seasoned campaigner in David Silva next season, and they have to tie Fernandinho down to a new deal as soon as possible.

A versatile star that will be hard to replace

Rodri’s signing in the summer could have been the end of Fernandinho at Manchester City. Great things are expected from the Spaniard in the coming seasons, however, he has taken some time to adjust to the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola also wants his players to be in tune with the team, and Rodri needs to be given time to be at his best. While the Spaniard gets used to Guardiola’s tactics, City might have to play Fernandinho a lot more than expected.

Injuries to John Stones and Aymeric Laporte shifted him to the defence, and he seems to be more trustworthy at the back than Otamendi. The 34-year-old doesn’t make a lot of noise off the pitch, and there is no questioning his leadership abilities.

It will be tough to find someone who can do the job that the Brazilian does easily, and handing him a one-year deal is the right step for City.

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Who knows, a move to the defence could prolong his career in England, and Pep might not have to splash huge next summer to solve this problem.

Verdict

City already made a mistake by letting Kompany leave and with Silva leaving the club as well, they would be short of seasoned players. Fernandinho might not play in the midfield a lot next season, but he could do a good job for them in the defence.