Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have identified Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez as an ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva.
According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester City are gearing up to make a move for Fermin Lopez when the transfer window reopens in January. Pep Guardiola’s team are bracing themselves for the potential departure of Bernardo Silva and consider the Barcelona sensation an ideal long-term replacement.
Lopez joined Barcelona’s famous youth setup ‘La Masia’ back in 2016. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to the first team in the summer of 2023. He has only gone from strength to strength over the last two seasons.
Despite having a rotational role in Hansi Flick’s team last season, the 22-year-old made quite an impact. He was involved in a total of 46 matches, and he finished with eight goals and 10 assists.
While he prefers playing as a number ten, his ability to feature as a central midfielder as well as on the flanks makes him a very important part of Flick’s team. His sensational rise hasn’t gone unnoticed, and multiple top clubs are interested in his services.
Premier League Manchester City are one of the clubs keen on signing the Spanish international. They have identified him as a key target for the winter transfer window. While Lopez wants to continue at Barcelona and still has four years left on his deal, City could flex their financial muscle to make things happen.
They could look to make the most out of the Catalan giants’ financial situation. Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and wants him in his squad. His versatility and his massive potential make him an ideal fit for their project.
Lopez to replace Silva at City
City consider him an ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva, who could part ways with the Manchester-based club at the turn of the calendar. While the Portuguese international is an integral part of Guardiola’s plans, he has entered the final year of his contract, and the 31-year-old could choose to return to Benfica.
He reportedly has a pre-agreement in place with the Portuguese club, with Joao Noronha Lopes determined to bring him back if he wins the presidential elections. Meanwhile, City will have to raise funds to sign Lopez in January, having spent a fortune on transfers this summer.
They could sanction the departure of Savinho, who is being closely monitored by Tottenham to bring Lopez to the club. His arrival could help them complete a midfield rebuild for the long run.