Manchester City is already looking ahead to a future without Kevin De Bruyne, and Pep Guardiola has set his sights on a replacement who could perfectly fit into his system. The legendary Belgian midfielder, a cornerstone of City’s success for the past decade, is starting to struggle with recurring injuries, forcing the club to seek a successor who can maintain the team’s dominance in both England and Europe.
Guardiola’s first choice is RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, a player whose technical ability, vision, and attacking instincts make him an ideal candidate to inherit De Bruyne’s role. However, if the deal for Simons proves too complicated, Guardiola has a backup plan—and it leads him straight to Barcelona.
Xavi Simons: City’s Priority Target
Manchester City has reportedly put forward an offer of €110 million to sign Simons, viewing him as a long-term investment and a strategic signing for the next phase of their project. The Dutch international has been in top form, excelling in the Bundesliga, and his development has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including PSG and Bayern Munich.
Despite City’s strong interest, Leipzig is reluctant to let Simons go without a fight. The German club knows they have one of Europe’s most promising midfielders and will demand a substantial fee for his departure. If negotiations stall, Guardiola is prepared to activate Plan B, which could shake up the transfer market.
Plan B: A Rising Star from La Masia
If City fails to land Simons, Pep Guardiola has his sights set on a young talent from Barcelona’s ranks—Fermín López. The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Spanish football, impressing in LaLiga and the Champions League. His ability to break defensive lines, contribute goals from midfield, and handle high-pressure matches has made him a key figure in Hansi Flick’s plans at Barça.
This would not be the first time City has poached talent from La Masia. In the past, the club has successfully signed players like Eric García and Sergio Gómez, capitalizing on the shared tactical philosophy between Barcelona and Guardiola’s Manchester City. With Fermín López, City would be getting a technically gifted and tactically intelligent midfielder, someone who understands positional play and can fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s system.
Barcelona’s Dilemma: Can They Hold On to Fermín?
Barcelona is fully aware of Manchester City’s interest in Fermín López. The club has worked hard to secure his future, renewing his contract and setting a release clause of over €100 million to deter potential suitors. Hansi Flick has already shown confidence in the young midfielder, giving him consistent playing time and a growing role in the squad.
However, Barcelona also knows that an offer from the Premier League, and especially from Manchester City, could be difficult for Fermín to turn down. The allure of working under Pep Guardiola, combined with the financial and sporting incentives of English football, might tempt the youngster to make the move.
At the moment, Barça’s management is monitoring the situation closely. They are determined to keep Fermín at the club, believing he can be a cornerstone of their midfield for years to come. However, should City come knocking with a lucrative offer, Barcelona may have a tough decision to make.
Guardiola’s Vision: The Perfect Successor to De Bruyne
Guardiola is known for his ability to identify and develop midfield maestros, and Fermín López fits the profile perfectly. The Spaniard’s energy, tactical intelligence, and attacking instincts make him an exciting prospect for City. If Xavi Simons proves unattainable, expect Manchester City to intensify their pursuit of Fermín in the coming transfer window.
Barcelona, meanwhile, must decide whether to resist City’s advances or cash in on their talented youngster. With Guardiola keen to strengthen his midfield, this transfer saga is far from over—and Fermín López could be the next big name to make the jump to the Premier League.
