Manchester City are already preparing for next season, with Pep Guardiola prioritizing the search for Kevin De Bruyneβs ideal replacement. The Belgian playmaker has been a key figure in Cityβs dominance, but with age and injuries affecting his performances and his contract nearing its end, the club is planning for life without him.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Guardiola has identified an unexpected targetβBarcelonaβs young midfielder FermΓn LΓ³pez. The Spaniard has impressed with his energy, goal-scoring ability, and versatility, making him a standout prospect at the Catalan club. His work ethic and technical skills have caught Guardiolaβs attention, as he sees LΓ³pez as a player who could seamlessly fit into Cityβs tactical system.
Despite not being a regular starter, LΓ³pez has made an impact under Hansi Flick, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. City have been closely monitoring his progress, believing he has the potential to develop into a top playmaker.
However, securing LΓ³pezβs signature will be challenging. Barcelona consider him a vital part of their long-term plans and have no intention of letting him go. With midfield talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Ilkay GΓΌndogan in the squad, LΓ³pez has had to fight for playing time, but he remains a valuable asset for the club.
The 21-year-old is under contract with Barcelona until 2029, with a massive β¬400 million release clause. While City could offer a significantly higher salary than what he currently earns at Camp Nou, LΓ³pez has previously rejected lucrative offers to stay at his boyhood club, as his priority is to establish himself at Barcelona.
Barcelonaβs management, led by Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, are aware of Cityβs interest but remain confident in LΓ³pezβs commitment. However, if his playing time becomes more limitedβespecially with the possible arrival of Dani Olmo next seasonβhe might reconsider his future.
For Guardiola, LΓ³pezβs pressing ability, link-up play, and attacking instincts resemble a young De Bruyne, making him an ideal candidate to develop into Cityβs next midfield leader. Cityβs recruitment team is exploring the possibility of a transfer, though meeting his release clause is unrealistic. Instead, they may attempt to negotiate a structured deal, testing Barcelonaβs resolve given their financial struggles.
Guardiola has successfully attracted top Spanish talents to the Premier League before, with players like Rodri and Ferran Torres making the move to Manchester. If LΓ³pez struggles for regular minutes at Barcelona, the prospect of a more prominent role at City could become increasingly appealing.
Cityβs need for a De Bruyne successor is pressing, as their current midfield optionsβPhil Foden, Mateo KovaΔiΔ, and Bernardo Silvaβdo not fully replicate his skill set. LΓ³pez, under Guardiolaβs guidance, could be shaped into the ideal replacement, ensuring Cityβs midfield remains dominant.
The coming months will be crucial in determining LΓ³pezβs future. If he remains a secondary option at Barcelona, City may intensify their pursuit. However, if Flick integrates him more into the starting lineup, his desire to stay at Camp Nou may strengthen.
Guardiolaβs interest in LΓ³pez has raised eyebrows across Europe, setting up what could become one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer. Whether City will succeed in luring him away remains to be seen, but Guardiola has clearly identified his next big midfield target.
