Manchester City is currently planning for next season, with Pep Guardiola prioritizing the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian’s career, which has been a key pillar of City’s golden era, appears to be coming to an end in the Premier League.
De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the current season, and his form has declined significantly, as evidenced this season by his performances, which have revealed his current physical and technical condition. This situation has led many to believe that De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City is nearing its end.
Amid these circumstances, and according to information from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, Guardiola has identified a surprising candidate to replace De Bruyne: Fermín López, the young Barcelona midfielder.
López has caught the Catalan coach’s attention due to his great energy, his ability to reach the penalty area, and his flexibility to play in several midfield positions. Since joining the Barcelona first team, Fermín has demonstrated his distinctive personality and technical ability, showcasing his great potential to contribute to the attack.
Although he isn’t a regular starter, Guardiola has given him confidence, and López has made the most of every opportunity available to him. His skill and competitive spirit are perfectly aligned with Guardiola’s style of play, which has led Manchester City to closely monitor his development.
However, Guardiola is aware that signing Fermín will not be easy. Barcelona has no intention of selling the player, considering him an essential part of their future project. Furthermore, Fermín has repeatedly expressed his desire to succeed at Camp Nou and secure his place in the first team.
Fermín’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2029, with a release clause of €400 million, making any attempt by Manchester City to negotiate a deal highly complicated. While City may try to lure the player with a salary higher than what he earns at Barcelona, Fermín has previously rejected lucrative offers from other clubs, reflecting his priority to remain with the Catalan club, where he dreams of becoming a key player in the coming years.
On the other hand, Barcelona’s board of directors, led by Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, are aware of Manchester City’s interest in the player. However, they remain confident that Fermín will stay loyal to the club and will not be swayed by the lure of the Premier League. The newspaper concluded that the Spanish player’s position may suddenly change due to his lack of playing time, which he needs to prove himself, given Barcelona’s overcrowded midfield, including Pedri, Casado, Gavi, and Olmo.
