Fernandinho is in the last year of his deal at Manchester City and may not be handed another contract extension as he’s playing second fiddle to Rodri and only makes appearances from the bench.
The 36-year-old could soon be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, ending a successful eight-year stint, but João Castelo-Branco of ESPN Brasil (h/t Sport Witness) says he won’t be granted a departure early.
Emre Konur wrote that Fernandinho was a transfer target for Atletico Mineiro and has the option to join Galo when the winter transfer window opens. But City are unlikely to part with the defensive midfielder mid-season.
Although Fernandinho has amassed only 654 minutes of football from a possible 2160, he’s still an important player under Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian international provides backup to Rodri and is still called upon when injury strikes.
Atletico Mineiro may have to either turn their attentions elsewhere in January or wait until the summer to sign him – City would be forced into locating a replacement for Fernandinho in a short transfer window if he was allowed to leave before the campaign is up.
So Castelo-Branco is likely correct to downplay the idea of a January exit.
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