EPL 2016/17: Top 10 players who can sign a pre-contract with another club in January 2017

Modified Oct 04, 2016 15:57 GMT

Zlatan Ibrahimovic pre contract — Ibrahimovic signed only a one-year deal when he arrived at Old Trafford

#7 Fernandinho – Manchester City

Fernandinho pre contract — Fernandinho is one of Guardiola’s favourites

“Fernandinho can do everything. If a team had three Fernandinhos, they would be champions. We only have one and he is very important to us.” – Pep Guardiola.

Yet, the 31-year-old is in the final year of his contract. It is still early days for Guardiola at Manchester City and he is still assessing his squad this season. The club invested heavily to rebuild the squad this summer. And he could spend more next summer, too.

Fernandinho may yet find himself at City next season if Guardiola feels he can still contribute to his style of play. Besides, if Toure is sold in January or leaves for free next summer, losing Fernandinho would leave a gaping hole in midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan may step into his position in the starting lineup but one would expect Guardiola to keep Fernandinho on as a backup midfielder.

Edited by Staff Editor