Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly requested the club to sign Barcelona's midfield sensation, Fermin Lopez. This move comes in the wake of a disappointing 2024/25 campaign for Manchester City and is seen as part of a broader strategy to revamp the squad and return to their usual high standards.
The past season saw Manchester City falling short of their typical performance levels. The team was knocked out early from the Club World Cup by Al-Hilal in the round of 16, further exacerbating their frustrations. In response, several changes have been initiated within the squad with more expected in due course.
Guardiola is particularly keen on enhancing his team's quality and has identified a need for new talent in midfield. According to Fichajes' report, he has specifically asked for Fermin Lopez from Barcelona.
Who is Fermin Lopez?
Lopez joined Barcelona youth setup back in 2016 and quickly climbed up through ranks before being promoted to their first team in summer 2023. Despite establishing himself as an integral part of the squad, he struggled for game time due to stiff competition within his team.
Despite facing these challenges, Lopez's performance has been commendable. Last season, he participated in 46 matches and made significant contributions towards 18 goals. Furthermore, he spent just over 2,000 minutes on the pitch, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the game even amidst stiff competition within his team.
However, if Nico Williams joins Barcelona during this transfer window as speculated, it could further limit Lopez’s playing time.
Why Manchester City want Lopez?
With Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City recently and Rayan Cherki joining them already; there is still room for more quality players at centre field position where Guardiola sees potential fitment with Lopez.
Guardiola holds a strong belief in Lopez's potential and suitability for Manchester City. Despite being just 22 years old, Guardiola sees him as an ideal fit for his system. His versatility is another aspect that appeals to the manager; Lopez's ability to play as a number ten, on either flank or as a central midfielder could provide significant tactical flexibility to the team. Furthermore, Guardiola envisions Lopez becoming an integral part of their project going forward, indicating his long-term plans with the young player.
Manchester City has already begun working on the potential transfer. Reports suggest that Lopez could be available for around €50 million. The Premier League giants are more than willing to pay this fee if Lopez agrees to the move. This deal could also benefit Barcelona by providing them with much-needed funds to strengthen other areas of their team.
