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When Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City, Fernandinho became an integral part of the Man City roster, and the team struggled in the Brazilian defensive midfielder's absence.
It is evident Pep was in the hunt for his replacement in the summer, with moves for Jorginho and Kovacic falling apart, and the Cityzens starting the campaign with no able replacement for Fernandinho.
With him being 33 years old at the moment, and showing signs of slowing down, he cannot play every week for long, and it is only fair the board signs a replacement in January if Man City are to compete on all fronts this season, with the Champions League a priority for Pep.
Lets take a look at some players who can replace the Brazilian at Manchester City
#3 Ruben Neves
When Ruben Neves moved from FC Porto to Wolverhampton Wanderers, it raised the eyebrows of many football fans as to why he would move to a Championship side with many high profile clubs looking to sign him. He has helped Wolves get promoted back to the Premier League, and is indispensable to the side.
Of the 50 appearances he has for Wolves, he has contributed to 9 goals, which is really impressive for a defensive midfielder in this day and age. This Premier League campaign, he has scored 1, and assisted 1, as well as put in exhilarating performances against tough opponents like Manchester United.
He keeps the midfield ticking, and is really good at breaking opposition attacks. He also helps in taking the ball into the final third. The skill-set of the 22 year old is impeccable, and he can surely fill the void which will be left by Fernandinho once he moves on. Aged just 21, he surely is a long term replacement to the Brazilian if he does end up moving to the Etihad.
All stats via transfermarkt
#2 Tanguy Ndombele
The 21 year old French midfielder who moved to Lyon this season for €8 million has been a revelation for the French outfit. Although he isn't a high profile player yet, he is surely going to add a new dimension to Pep's midfield if he does end up moving to the Etihad.
During his loan spell last season at Lyon, he made 33 appearances, starting 28, and provided 7 assists in the process. This shows that he does provide some sort of creativity, despite playing in defensive midfield.
This season in 9 appearances he has provided 4 assists already, is a dominant figure for the French outfit in midfield, and is taking his game to a different level. If he keeps up his progress, surely a move to Man City cannot be ruled out for the young Frenchman.
#1 Frenkie de Jong
With reported interest from Barcelona and Manchester City, Frenkie de Jong is hot property in today's market. With his market value being €40 million, a bid in the region of €70 million would be expected from the Cityzens if they want to lure the young Dutchman to the blue half of Manchester. Aged just 21, he has shown how good he is in his time at Ajax.
Being more of a central midfielder rather than an out an out defensive midfielder, he will flourish in Pep's system, and provide the extra creativity from the defensive position, which is missing right now for Man City.
If they do end up signing the 21 year old, Manchester City will be a force to be reckoned with, and will not need to worry about the defensive midfield position for at least a decade.
