Newcastle are keen to extend the contract of Federico Fernandez, with the Magpies hierarchy hoping he will sign a one-year deal and remain with the club for next season, according to The Sun (07/02/2021, p60) [via TBR Football].
The experienced centre-back had been an integral part of the Magpies’ defence for the first few months of the season, racking up 16 Premier League appearances and helping Steve Bruce’s side record three clean sheets in the process (Sofascore). That shows how valuable he has been for them throughout the campaign.
The 32-cap Argentina international has been a notable absentee for the Magpies in the last few weeks, having not featured since the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United last month. That is because he has been suffering hamstring issues, and Newcastle need him back as soon as possible after Fabian Schar confirmed that he will be out for a few months.
It has emerged that the defender, who is currently entering the last few months of his £47,300-a-weel deal at St James’ Park, is keen to be offered a new two-year contract by Newcastle. However, The Sun claimed that he could leave the club and move elsewhere in the Premier League if the Magpies are only prepared to offer him one more year on Tyneside.
Read Newcastle verdict
Keeping Fernandez at the club looks like a vital piece of business which the Magpies must get sorted out over the next few weeks and months. Newcastle have been given a firm reminder over how important the 31-year-old is during his absence in the last few weeks, while injuries have also mounted up in the centre-back department, illustrating how he is needed for squad depth.
The Argentine offers a very experienced defensive presence and was heavily in favour of Bruce even when he had a full complement of defensive options earlier in the season. He has won 4.1 duels and averaged 1.5 tackles and 5.6 clearances per game so far this term (Sofascore), demonstrating his reliability and consistency.
He is worthy of a two-year deal and it would be no surprise if he were to have other potential suitors. It would be a mistake for the Magpies to let him leave by not offering him the length of contract that he wants.
