Manchester City complete capture of Porto midfielder Fernando

Manchester City, 2/1 with Coral to retain the Premier League title next season, have completed the signing of Brazilian-born midfielder Fernando from Portuguese giants Porto for a reported fee of £12m.

He follows ex-Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna to the Etihad, who arrived on a free transfer from the Gunners earlier this month.

A reported fee of £12m would be considered a relative bargain for the Sky Blues, as they enter the summer transfer market with FIFA Financial Fair Play regulations looming over them. Restricted to a net spend of £49m, the northwest club have conducted smart business so far, and will have added depth in two crucial positions cheaply.

Defensive-minded midfielder Fernando, 26, had hoped to represent Portugal at the World Cup, but despite becoming a naturalised citizen last winter. It emerged that because he represented Brazil at Under-20 level at the 2007 South American Championships, a competitive tournament were he infamously assaulted a referee, he could not change international allegiance.

Fernando won seven major honours, including four domestic league titles and the Europa League, in as many campaigns with Porto. His absence from the World Cup means he will arrive fresh for the new season, joining a wealth of powerful midfield options, including Yaya Toure, compatriot Fernandihno, Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell.

Following his Etihad switch, Fernando said: “I will give my all every time I play and I’m looking forward to many happy years in Manchester.” The length of his contract has not been disclosed, but Porto announced the deal on the Lisbon Stock exchange on June 25th.

Joining Cty improved the international opportunities of fellow Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, who is now with Phil Scolari’s Samba Boys at the World Cup finals. Fernando, whose full name is Fernando Francisco Reges, will be hoping his high-profile move may reap the same rewards for him.