Manchester City is preparing for a hectic summer. Amid the movement, Pep Guardiola has made two things very clear: he has confirmed that his cycle is coming to an end… and he has requested one last signing from the club. The chosen one comes from Barça and City would already be willing to pay €60 million (about $65 million USD) for him.
Guardiola already thinking about stopping
It's not an immediate goodbye, but it is an announced farewell. In a recent interview, Pep Guardiola made it clear that his career as a professional coach is numbered.
He hasn't given an exact date, but he has made a firm decision: after finishing his time at Manchester City, he will take an indefinite break. "After City, I need to stop and think about myself", the coach said.
At 54 years old, Guardiola feels that he has closed a cycle. He has won everything in England, and before that he did so in Germany and Spain. The demands have been at their highest for more than a decade, and now his body and mind are asking for a pause.
City looking for a replacement in midfield
Despite his decision, Guardiola wants to leave everything in order before he goes. That means strengthening a squad that already began to show signs of wear last season. The physical decline of some key players and the lack of reliable alternatives left City with less margin than usual.
One of the clearest cases has been Nico González, signed in January for €60 million (about $65 million USD) from Porto. He arrived as a bet for the future, but he hasn't fit into the system.
With no playing time or trust, his departure is all but set. That leaves a vacancy in midfield and Guardiola already has his chosen one to fill it.
Fermín López, the desired one
The target is at Camp Nou, his name is Fermín López and he has been one of the most outstanding breakthroughs for Barça this season. At just 21 years old, he has earned a spot thanks to his intensity, his runs into the box, and his defensive commitment. Pep knows it: he's the profile that fits his idea.
With De Bruyne's future hanging in the air and the need to rejuvenate midfield, Guardiola has requested Fermín. He has followed him closely and believes that, with his vertical and brave style, he can shine in the Premier League.
An offer Barça doesn't rule out
Barça, although they value the player highly, need to sell. The competition in midfield is high, with names like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie. Fermín wants to stay, but he understands that his future depends on the club's decisions.
Deco, Barça's sporting director, has already set a price: €60 million (about $65 million USD). Manchester City would be willing to pay it.
This isn't just any signing. It could be Guardiola's last wish before putting an end to one of the brightest eras in recent soccer history.