After being delivered the surprise news of Fernandinho's end-of-season departure from Manchester City, Pep Guardiola will be keen to find a replacement for the Brazilian. However, a solution may be closer than he thinks.
Yangel Herrera has been loaned out four times since his 2017 switch to the Etihad. The 24-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club.
The midfielder has been an important figure for Espanyol this season and has reiterated his desire for regular football at his parent club. Speaking to AS, Herrera says he does have an eye on the squad spot soon to be vacated by City hero Fernandinho.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola sends game time reassurances to Man City star Jack Grealish
Asked whether he thinks he will finally be given the nod by Guardiola, he said: “I won’t know that until the season is over, but we’ll see. It would be pretty nice.
“I have tried to do things in the best way to be able to opt for great challenges in the summer. I dream of being there, of playing (in the) Champions (League), knockout rounds. I hope to make it.”
Herrera still has two years left on his City deal after loan spells at New York City and Spanish clubs Huesca and Granada. He revealed he longs for a consistent playing period at a team after all these temporary spells at different clubs each year.
“It’s what I want most today,” he admitted. “Settle into a team and be calm. These dates arrive and you are already with that uncertainty of where you will play.
“That wears you out a bit. I’ve been at it for several seasons, and what I’m looking for this year is to be able to settle in a team.”
It’s unlikely Herrera would be granted much time under Guardiola next season. However, he’s a player who would be happy to play second fiddle to Rodri, which could evade any potential disgruntlement that could arise should Kalvin Phillips or Declan Rice arrive.
This may appeal to Guardiola, but whether it remains enough to convince him to bring Herrera into his squad long-term is questionable. City may wish to cash in for him now if they feel his progression will not advance much further than his current level.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
