New Deal for Sun Jihai
Manchester City defender Sun Jihai has agreed terms on a new one-year contract after caretaker boss Stuart Pearce admitted his injury-enforced absence had been a major blow.
A serious knee injury sustained in City’s win over Chelsea last October had threatened the Chinese full-back’s career with the Barclays Premiership side.
But, providing he can acquire a work permit, the 27-year-old will sign the contract and extend his three-year City career into next season.
Jihai, whose present contract expires this summer, is back in training and close to making a full recovery from medial and cruciate ligament damage.
He should be ready to play a full role in pre-season training, despite initial fears he would face a year out.
“Jihai is out on the training pitch running now and he is working very hard,” said Pearce, who was appointed to lead City until the end of the season following Kevin Keegan’s exit.
“I believe his deal has been finalised subject to red tape. We have our fingers crossed that he will continue progressing and be ready for next season.”
City’s squad has been ravaged by injuries this season, and Pearce recognised that Jihai’s versatility would have been a valuable asset.
“We flirted with playing him in a holding role earlier in the season and before he got injured I thought he played it very well,” said Pearce.
“The beauty of Jihai is that he can play left-back, right-back or in midfield. He is clever enough with his feet to get away with a midfield role. We have missed the option of having him around the squad the last few months.”
