Pep Guardiola Wants Manchester City to Beat Manchester United in Race for Fermin Lopez and Another Top Barcelona Star – Reports Claim

Pep Guardiola Wants Manchester City to Beat Manchester United in Race for Fermin Lopez and Another Top Barcelona Star – Reports Claim

In a developing transfer saga that could define the summer window, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly set his sights on securing the services of two of Barcelona’s most promising young stars: Fermin Lopez and another top-rated academy product. Guardiola, a proud graduate of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia and former manager of the Catalan giants, is said to be keen on bringing the duo to the Etihad, with reports claiming he wants to beat Manchester United to their signatures.

 

With both Premier League clubs gearing up for a major overhaul this summer, this potential tug-of-war between the Manchester giants for Barcelona’s emerging talents has added an intriguing layer to the transfer narrative. For Guardiola, the pursuit is deeply tactical—but also perhaps a bit sentimental.

 

 

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Fermin Lopez: The Rising Star of Camp Nou

 

Fermin Lopez, 21, is one of Barcelona’s most exciting midfield talents. Known for his creativity, energy, and keen eye for goal, the youngster broke into the first team during the 2023–24 season and quickly earned praise from fans and pundits alike. His ability to glide past defenders, dictate play, and strike from distance has drawn comparisons to some of Barcelona’s greatest midfielders, including Andres Iniesta.

 

Originally loaned out to Linares Deportivo in the Spanish third tier in 2022, Fermin returned stronger and more mature. His technical skills and attacking instincts made him a standout performer in a Barcelona squad navigating transition and financial hardship.

 

This progress has not gone unnoticed outside of Spain. Manchester City scouts reportedly watched him several times last season, particularly impressed by his performances in La Liga and the Champions League. Guardiola is believed to admire Fermin’s positional intelligence and sees him as a natural fit for City’s intricate midfield system.

 

 

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Guardiola’s Personal Interest

 

Pep Guardiola’s connection to Barcelona runs deep. His knowledge of the La Masia system and the traits it instills in players gives him an edge when identifying potential recruits from the Catalan club. Guardiola is believed to be personally monitoring the situation, not leaving it entirely in the hands of his scouting department.

 

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Guardiola has spoken highly of Fermin to City’s board and wants to act quickly before Manchester United—or any other European powerhouse—can get a deal done. City are reportedly willing to trigger Fermin Lopez’s release clause, which currently stands at €40 million (£34 million), although there is speculation Barcelona might raise it through a new contract amid interest.

 

Guardiola reportedly views Fermin as a long-term successor to Ilkay Gundogan—ironically, the German midfielder left City for Barcelona just last summer. Fermin’s versatility means he could play as a No. 8, a false 9, or even out wide if needed, offering Guardiola depth and options.

 

 

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Manchester United Also in the Mix

 

Meanwhile, Manchester United have also expressed strong interest in Fermin Lopez. The Red Devils, under Erik ten Hag, are looking to reinforce their midfield with young, technically gifted players. After a turbulent 2023–24 campaign, United’s recruitment strategy is focused on emerging stars who can grow into their roles at Old Trafford.

 

United scouts reportedly made contact with Fermin’s representatives in early June, but Barcelona’s reluctance to sell, coupled with City’s growing involvement, has complicated matters. United are aware that if Guardiola makes a move, the appeal of working under the legendary manager might tilt the scales in City’s favour.

 

What gives United hope is their willingness to offer more immediate playing time. With Barcelona’s financial struggles and squad restructuring, players like Fermin could be lured with the promise of being a central figure elsewhere. However, the power and prestige of City—and the opportunity to be molded by Guardiola—remains a major pull.

 

 

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The Second Target: Pau Cubarsí in City’s Sights

 

The second Barcelona star on City’s radar is believed to be Pau Cubarsí, the 17-year-old central defender who burst onto the scene with composed and commanding performances for Xavi’s side last season. Cubarsí’s maturity, reading of the game, and technical ability have turned heads across Europe, and he has been likened to a young Gerard Piqué.

 

Despite his age, Cubarsí has already earned a call-up to Spain’s senior team and made his debut in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Guardiola is said to be an admirer of his calmness under pressure and ball-playing qualities—traits essential for a defender in City’s system.

 

With Aymeric Laporte now at Al-Nassr and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké, Guardiola sees Cubarsí as a long-term defensive investment. Like Fermin, his La Masia upbringing makes him tactically adaptable and suited to Guardiola’s style.

 

Barcelona, however, are desperate to keep Cubarsí. His current release clause is a whopping €500 million, but that has not discouraged admirers. City are exploring the option of negotiating a more reasonable fee with performance-related add-ons or involving a player swap to sweeten the deal.

 

 

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Barcelona’s Dilemma

 

Barcelona’s financial troubles have placed them in a vulnerable position. While they want to retain their brightest prospects, they may be forced to consider offers to balance the books. Club president Joan Laporta has insisted that Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsí are not for sale, but history has shown that big bids often change the equation.

 

Guardiola reportedly believes that a double swoop is realistic—especially if Barcelona fail to offload fringe players or secure major sponsorships before the end of the window. The fact that both Fermin and Cubarsí are on relatively low wages compared to the first-team veterans makes them prime targets for top European clubs looking for value.

 

 

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City’s Long-Term Planning

 

For Manchester City, the potential acquisition of Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsí signals their ongoing strategy to blend youth with experience. After years of dominance under Guardiola, the club is preparing for life after the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Bernardo Silva.

 

City’s successful integration of players like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Julian Álvarez has given the club confidence in developing young talents. Signing Fermin and Cubarsí would not only reinforce City’s present but secure their future—especially under the continued guidance of Guardiola, should he extend his stay.

 

 

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Conclusion: Guardiola vs. United in a Familiar Battle

 

The battle between Manchester City and Manchester United for top talent is nothing new. But this particular showdown—fought over the signatures of Barcelona’s most promising talents—adds emotional weight, especially for Guardiola.

 

For Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsí, the choice will come down to more than just money. They will have to consider playing time, developmental opportunities, managerial influence, and the vision of their potential new club.

 

Whether Barcelona can resist the advances of two of England’s biggest clubs remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Guardiola is not just watching from the sidelines. He wants to win this battle—and beat Manchester United to the punch.