James Ducker of The Telegraph says Manchester City have a ‘decision to be made’ on Fernandinho when the season comes to a close. The 35-year-old is out of contract this summer and no longer commands a starting place, so his future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain.
City have been linked with Denis Zakaria, Ismael Bennacer, Manuel Locatelli, Adrien Rabiot and Douglas Luiz as potential replacements for Fernandinho, but there’s no guarantee the Brazilian international will leave at the end of the season as he’s been a very useful deputy.
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Despite playing second fiddle to Rodri this season, Fernandinho has still gone on to make 26 appearances in all competitions, amassing 1509 minutes of playing time (Transfermarkt). He’s started three of City’s last six Premier League games too, so Pep Guardiola clearly rates him highly.
There’s no escaping his age, however. Fernandinho will turn 36 in May and has a demanding role on the pitch as the player required to turn over possession so frequently, but the Brazilian is still impressing when called upon so Guardiola might not have made up his mind yet.
City won’t need to fear the midfielder signing a pre-contract deal elsewhere, so they can make a decision on his future in the coming months. This writer has suggested Yangel Herrera be promoted to replace Fernandinho when his time does come to an end.