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DONE DEALS
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Pep DEMANDS Man City sign Barcelona star: Guardiola picks De Bruyne replacement
Robin Bairner
- 3 Jul 2025 06:55 BST
- 4 min read
News
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is still seeking to improve his squad after the shock defeat to Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup.
City were left stunned by the Saudi Pro League side as they went down to a 4-3 defeat after extra-time, and Guardiola’s response is set to come in the transfer market.
Current ETV
Fermín López
M (C), AM (L)
Fermín López
M (C), AM (L)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€17.5M - €21.4M
The Premier League giants have set their sights on signing Fermin Lopez from Barcelona to provide their midfield with more quality, according to Fichajes.
Guardiola believes that Fermin can become a “key” player for the Etihad side because of his combination of technique and energy. Indeed, the 22-year-old Spain international is seen as a player who can replace Kevin De Bruyne, who was allowed to leave at the end of his contract for Napoli.
Although Fermin has scored 19 goals over the last two seasons, Nico Williams’ arrival at Camp Nou is set to complicate his life. Chelsea, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old.
Fichajes indicate a transfer fee around €50 million will get the deal done for a player who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €19.5m.
Sell Fermin get Nico Williams?
Selling Fermin could pave the way for Barcelona to secure Nico – a deal they have struggled to complete because of their Financial Fair Play (FFP) position.
The Athletic winger is reportedly concerned that Barca will be unable to register him once he signs for the club, and this has caused a holdup in the deal.
If the Catalan side were to receive a big transfer fee for Fermin, however, that would pave the way for the Camp Nou outfit to sign his Spain international colleague.
The longer that Barcelona struggle to get the Nico deal done, then, the greater the chances of City landing Fermin Lopez, who looks Pep Guardiola’s dream signing.
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