Fermin Lopez’s name continues to echo around the transfer market, and this time it is Manchester City who are circling.

The Barcelona midfielder, who came close to joining Chelsea during the final days of the summer transfer window, ultimately stayed put after holding decisive talks with Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

Yet, questions about his long-term future at Camp Nou remain alive.

Guardiola identifies Fermin Lopez as a priority target

According to reports from Spain, Pep Guardiola has personally identified Fermin Lopez as one of his key midfield targets for the winter transfer window.

The City boss is said to be a strong admirer of the 22-year-old’s versatility, noting his ability to play as an interior midfielder, a No.10, or even on the left wing.

Guardiola’s pursuit of Fermin ties directly into the uncertainty surrounding Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese star, contracted until 2026, has been heavily linked with a return to Benfica.

Presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes has even promised to bring Silva back to Lisbon if elected in October, claiming a contract is already “waiting” for him. Should Silva move on, City see Fermin as the perfect replacement.

A breakout season at Barcelona

Fermin Lopez underlined his quality last season with 46 appearances across all competitions, contributing eight goals and ten assists.

His creativity, work rate, and eye for goal have made him one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe. For Guardiola, those attributes could translate perfectly into the high-intensity, fluid system City have mastered under his guidance.

Barcelona’s stance and Fermin’s future

Despite the growing interest, Barcelona are not expected to make life easy for any suitor.

The midfielder signed a new long-term contract until 2029, and his public stance remains clear: he wants to succeed at Camp Nou. With the club in a transitional phase under Flick, Fermin is seen as a central figure for the future.

Still, City’s financial strength and Guardiola’s influence make this one to watch in January.

If Bernardo Silva’s future takes a decisive turn, the chase for Fermin Lopez could quickly escalate into one of the headline transfer battles of 2025.