Shakhtar Donetsk has become one of more unlikely havens for Brazilian talent; remarkably there are no fewer than nine within the first team squad. Further to this what is more impressive is that they generally seem more than adapt at keeping their South American stars, with Willian one of only a few major casualties in recent times despite reported vast interest in several of their other stars.
The Metro are however reporting that they could be set for their biggest retention mission yet with apparent Manchester City target Fernandinho reportedly indicating that he is targeting a move to the English club in order to enhance his hopes of world cup selection. The player has cited that the Brazilian national selectors are less than keen to pick those based in Ukraine despite the obvious talent, whether it be they just don’t rate the quality or aren’t keen on visiting to investigate who knows but it seems Fernandinho has given up hopes of selection in the Ukraine.
Given that we are a year from the world cup the player is unlikely to be alone in fretting over world cup selection, so this summer should see plenty of similar stories going around. That said Fernandihno will need to be careful with a move to City given that first team football might not be guaranteed and with that in mind nobody makes a world cup squad not playing games.
City undoubtedly could do with the extra creativity that Fernandihno would bring, particularly considering that when David Silva has not been firing this season they have looked more than a little stuck for ideas when it comes to unlocking well organised and determined back lines. With the Ethiad outfit looking combat to their depression of a disappointing season with some epic retail therapy the Brazilian midfielder could well be on their radar. For Shakhtar they will be more than slightly worried by others joining Fernandino in using a move away to improve possible international selection.