Former Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez has been given another year’s contract by Newcastle United – further suggesting he was undersold by the Swans when he was let go for just £6m two years ago.
The 31-year-old Argentinian defender is the third senior player to extend his stay a St James’ Park in a matter of days after fellow former Swan Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie both signed contract extensions last Friday.
Fernandez left Swansea – who had just been relegated from the Premier League at the time – in August 2018.
He was 29, had won 32 caps for Argentina, and played 128 matches for the club over four seasons.
Fernandez has since made 47 appearances in less than two seasons with Newcastle and manager Steve Bruce was keen to activate a one-year option on his contract.
Fernandez’s last appearance came in last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Southampton which took the Magpies to 35 points with nine games remaining.
Bruce said: “It’s really good news to get Fede tied up. He has had a great season and richly deserves this recognition.
“He is a great professional. He trains and works incredibly hard for the team and he continues to be a positive influence around the place. We’re delighted to have him.”
Fernandez has set his sights on getting Newcastle across the Premier League finishing line and said: “I’m very happy with the news – another year in the Premier League, with Newcastle.
“It’s been a good time at the club, so when I spoke with the boss this morning and he told me the club wanted to do this, I told him that of course, for me and my family, it’s good to know, and at this stage as well.
“Hopefully now we can push for the last few games to try to get more points, and I’m very happy about the news.
“To stay in the Premier League, to stay here and feel important, that for me is the main point – to be fit, try to help the club and try to push in every game I can play.”
