Soccer

Man City drum up Fernando transfer

The Brazilian is currently on holiday but will report for pre-season training in a fortnight

Manchester City have announced the signing of Porto defensive midfielder Fernando. Photograph: PA Wire
Manchester City have announced the signing of Porto defensive midfielder Fernando. Photograph: PA Wire
Thu Jun 26 2014 - 16:38

Manchester City have completed the signing of Porto defensive midfielder Fernando.

No transfer fee was announced by City, but Porto had issued a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) yesterday evening saying a deal worth £12million (€15 million) had been struck between the two clubs.

“I am so happy to finally be joining Manchester City,” Fernando told City’s website. I know there was talk of me possibly signing last January so I am delighted that the deal has now been done and that I am a City player.”

City were strongly linked with a double deal for the 26-year-old Brazilian and his team-mate Eliaquim Mangala in January but a move did not materialise, and Fernando instead penned a new contract with Porto.

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With City restricted to a net spend of £49million (€61 million) this summer as punishment for breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, a fee of €15 million should offer good value.

The arrival of Fernando — City's second signing of the summer after the free transfer of Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna — gives City manager Manuel Pellegrini an extra midfield option in addition to Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Javi Garcia, but pushes Jack Rodwell further down the pecking order with the 23-year-old's City future unclear.

Fernando is currently on holiday in Brazil, but will report for pre-season training in a forthnight, City said.

"I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and helping City to defend the title. It is a very exciting time to be part of this football club and I cannot wait to play in the Premier League.

“City fans can be assured I will give my all every time I play and I’m looking forward to many happy years in Manchester.

"I have enjoyed my stay with Porto and I thank the club and the fans for their support during my time in Portugal. Now I am ready for a new chapter in my career."

Fernando moved to Porto in 2007 from Brazilian club Vila Nova, and — after a loan spell with Estrela da Amadora — went on to win the Portuguese title four times while adding two Portuguese Cups and a Europa League medal.