The experienced head coach of Manchester City, Josep Guardiola, is carrying out serious reforms aimed at renewing the squad, adding young players, and building a solid foundation for the future. His plans involve attracting the younger generation of players to build an even stronger and more competitive team.
This generational change began unexpectedly early — during the winter transfer window of January 2025, when one of the brightest representatives of Uzbek football, Abduqodir Husainov, was brought in from Lens, reports El Nacional.
After this transfer, the team was quickly reinforced with new faces — Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, Omar Marmoush from Germany's Eintracht, and Nico Gonzalez from Portugal’s Porto joined the squad.
During the summer transfer window, Guardiola’s transfer policy became even more active. The team was strengthened with Tijjani Reijnders from Milan, Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton, Rayan Cherki from Lyon, Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, and goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s scouting group, under the leadership of sporting director Hugo Viana, continues searching for young talents who can bring success in the future.
According to Spanish media reports, Guardiola is now seriously interested in Fermín López, who is shining at Barcelona and is considered one of his country’s most promising footballers. Manchester City is reportedly ready to pay €60 million for him.
Guardiola has been impressed by López’s versatility in the attacking line, unpredictable movements, and ability to break into the opponent's penalty area. City analysts note that his technical and tactical characteristics perfectly match the club’s playing style.
At Barcelona, however, López's future remains unclear. Although he has made good use of the opportunities given to him, due to intense internal competition, he hasn’t managed to secure a spot in the main squad. This situation is becoming a serious problem for the young player, especially ahead of the World Cup, where regular playing time will be crucial.
For this reason, López is reportedly considering joining a top club that sees him as a key part of the project. Both the player and his agents are well aware of this.
It’s especially interesting for Uzbek fans, as Husainov and Fermín López have previously faced each other — during the group stage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris between Uzbekistan and Spain. At that time, Husainov gave the young Spanish midfielder a hard time, and a conflict between them even occurred during the match.
If Guardiola’s plan comes to fruition, these two young talents will now have the opportunity to defend Manchester City’s honor together and begin a new era.
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