Manchester City is preparing an unprecedented offensive after its unexpected elimination from the Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola, visibly frustrated with his squad's performance, has demanded immediate reinforcements. His main target isn't far away: he plays for FC Barcelona.
The Catalan coach has identified one of the most outstanding young prospects in the blaugrana squad. He believes that he has the talent and the profile needed to raise the team's competitive level. His obsession has reached the point of authorizing a €100 million ($100 million) investment for his signing.
City, with more than enough financial muscle, won't hesitate to make a formal offer in the coming days. Guardiola wants to finalize the deal before the player fully establishes himself in Hansi Flick's team. In England, people are already talking about a historic deal between two European soccer giants.
Barça on alert over Manchester City interest
Barça's offices are already aware of the English club's interest and the pressure coming directly from the Etihad bench. The Catalan club, which isn't going through its best economic moment, is considering all possibilities. If the offer reaches €100 million ($100 million), a sale can't be ruled out.
Hansi Flick believes that the Andalusian gem has a future in the team, but he can't guarantee him an immediate starting spot. The imminent arrival of Nico Williams adds competition to the attacking front and could reduce his prominence. This is the context City wants to take advantage of.
Guardiola has told the player that he would have an important role from day one. In addition, he would be offered a long-term contract and a salary that nearly doubles his current wage at Barça. It's a proposal that's hard to ignore for both the club and the footballer himself.
Sources close to the deal say that City isn't alone in the race, although it is the best positioned. Other Premier League teams have inquired about his situation, but none have reached the financial or sporting level of the English champion.
Guardiola's main wish to rebuild City
The player in question is Fermín López, 21 years old (21 años) and one of Barça's brightest revelations in recent seasons. His breakthrough into the first team has been meteoric, combining technique, attacking presence, and competitive character. Pep Guardiola has been following him for some time and believes that he can become a key piece in his project.
Fermín hasn't hidden his desire to have continuity at the elite level and to keep growing. Although his priority has always been to succeed at Barça, he isn't willing to accept a marginal role. The internal competition in the squad is fierce, and Flick can't guarantee him a leading role.
The player's camp admits that City's proposal is tempting. It offers him playing time, contractual stability, and a technical environment that values his style. In addition, playing in the Premier League and competing in the Champions League every year is an added attraction.
Joan Laporta doesn't want to part with Fermín, but he understands that if the offer reaches three figures, it'll be hard to turn it down. The president prefers to avoid forced sales, but he is aware that the income would be vital to face new signings.
The deal could be closed for less than desired
Although Barça has valued Fermín at €100 million ($100 million), it's not ruled out that the negotiation could end up closing for a slightly lower amount. In Barcelona, people are talking about a minimum of €75 to €80 million ($75 million to $80 million), depending on variables and the player's will.
Guardiola has given the green light to speed up talks. He doesn't want the signing to get complicated or for last-minute competition to appear. In Manchester, they trust that Fermín will prioritize the sporting project and accept the challenge of leading a new era at City.
The signing will also depend on the outcome of Nico Williams's transfer to Barça. If his arrival is confirmed, the chances of Fermín leaving multiply. In that scenario, Guardiola is ready to close one of the most talked-about deals of the summer transfer window.