Manchester City want 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder amid Bernardo Silva Benfica return links | OneFootball

The FC Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League side Chelsea in the last days of the recently closed summer transfer window, but ultimately ended up staying at the Catalan side.

A recent report has revealed how his talks with Hansi Flick and Deco shaped this operation and led to this outcome. However, his long-term future at the Blaugrana club still remains uncertain.

Now, another Premier League powerhouse has entered the picture. According to Fichajes, Manchester City have made Fermin one of their midfield targets for the upcoming winter transfer window, with Pep Guardiola personally identifying him as a priority signing.

Pep is said to admire Fermin’s versatility, given his ability to operate as an interior midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even on the left wing.

City’s interest in Fermin also ties into the growing uncertainty around Bernardo Silva’s future. The Portuguese international, still a key part of Guardiola’s plans, has become the centerpiece of Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes’ campaign.

Lopes, who is running in the club’s elections on October 25, has openly pledged to bring Silva back to Lisbon, even claiming that a contract is already “waiting” for him. While Silva remains under contract with City until 2026, Lopes hopes to negotiate a deal as early as January, though a summer move is also possible.

Should that happen, as per Fichajes, Fermin has been earmarked as the ideal successor to bring energy, creativity, and attacking drive into City’s midfield.

Fermin’s performances last season underline why Guardiola rates him so highly. The 22-year-old featured in 46 matches for Barcelona, contributing eight goals and ten assists, impressive numbers for a player still in the early stages of his career.

While the Manchester side has the money to convince Barcelona into making a sale, it will still not be easy for them to land Fermin Lopez, especially as the midfielder has a contract till 2029, and till now, he seems to be determined to stay at Barcelona.