Pep Guardiola is ready to utilise midfielder Fernandinho in central defence next season to prolong the veteran’s career at the Etihad. The Brazil international is now 34 and City are close to sealing a £62m deal for Atletico Madrid star Rodri, seen as his long-term successor.
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Club insiders, however, have stated Pep Guardiola isn’t prepared to sideline Fernandinho just yet, with plans to also play him at the heart of City’s defence, when the Catalan chooses to rotate his midfield. The samba star has previously shown his versatility by dropping back into the rearguard, although that has usually been when City have had a man sent off.
City still plan to recruit another central defender this summer, following the recent departure of skipper Vincent Kompany to become player boss at Anderlecht. Guardiola, though, feels Fernandinho’s vast experience can be another good defensive option when the games start piling up again for his team next year.
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