Manchester City have added Fermin Lopez to the list of options they want to replace Kevin De Bruyne with, although dealing with Barcelona will be difficult.
According to Fichajes, Fermin Lopez is a player that Pep Guardiola could consider as a replacement option for Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian’s decision to move on from Manchester City will pit the club into the market in search of a replacement, with the 21-year-old Barcelona prodigy now firmly on their list of potential options.
Manchester City could continue their spending spree from the January window into the summer market. The club are likely to make some fundamental changes to their squad, which could cost a lot of money in the close season.
Kevin De Bruyne posted a statement on his social media platforms stating the upcoming Manchester Derby will be his last. This is the clearest indication that the Belgian is set to leave the club in the summer, as Pep Guardiola could begin his process of signing a viable replacement for the veteran playmaker.
It will take a big talent to replace De Bruyne, although Manchester City are seemingly open to evaluating their options ahead of the summer. Florian Wirtz remains their priority target for the position, although the German playmaker is leaning towards joining Bayern Munich, which could be a big blow for Guardiola’s plans.
There are some names emerging from Serie A, with Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders considered a big target for Manchester City. Alternatively, Guardiola could look for a younger player in the ilk of Wirtz to begin a new era, as Manchester City are now interested in Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.
Will Manchester City sign Fermin Lopez?
Back in January, Lopez decided to stay put at Barcelona despite some strong interest from Premier League sides. The playmaker has made only 12 starts of his 32 appearances across all competitions this season, although Barcelona view him as a big part of their future, which is the reason why they have offered a new deal back in December that contains an astonishing €500 million release clause.
Barcelona are in a position of power to demand a significant fee from the likes of Manchester City, as they know there’s plenty of interest in the market, as Manchester United are also keen on Lopez. Guardiola’s side can potentially sign the player, although they will have to pay over the odds to get the 21-year-old Barcelona prodigy to the club.
