Fermín López has admitted that it was difficult to give up Barcelona's No. 16 shirt, but the midfielder is embracing the change as Rodri closes in on his move to Camp Nou.
López has agreed to switch to the No. 7, which became available following Ferran Torres' departure for Paris Saint-Germain. Rodri, meanwhile, is expected to take the No. 16 he famously wore during his Manchester City career.
[Goal +1]
The change may look minor, but López's reaction shows that the number had become personally meaningful to him after several seasons with Barcelona's first team.
Fermín Admits Leaving No. 16 Is Bittersweet
López explained that he was happy to take the No. 7 because it is a number he has always liked and one associated with some of Barcelona's great players.
But leaving No. 16 behind was not quite as easy.
The midfielder admitted that it made him "a bit sad" because of the attachment he developed to the shirt during his time with the first team.
Still, López believes the number is going to be in good hands with Rodri.
[Barca Blaugranes]
That attitude says plenty about the respect Barcelona's players have for their incoming midfield star.
Why Rodri Wanted Fermín's Number
Rodri's preference for No. 16 is hardly surprising.
The Spain international wore the number throughout his hugely successful Manchester City career and has also been associated with it during his time with the national team.
With Barcelona agreeing a deal worth around £65 million for the midfielder, Rodri has reportedly already discussed taking the number with López before completing his move.
[Gazeta Express +1]
The transfer is expected to see Rodri sign a four-year contract with Barcelona, although the formal completion of the move remains the key next step.
Fermín Knows Exactly What Rodri Can Bring
There is little resentment from López over the situation.
Quite the opposite.
The Barcelona midfielder already knows Rodri from the Spain setup and described his fellow midfielder in glowing terms, calling him the best defensive midfielder in the world and highlighting his Ballon d'Or-winning credentials.
[Barca Blaugranes]
For Barcelona, that is arguably the more important part of the story.
Rodri's arrival gives Hansi Flick an elite midfielder capable of controlling games from the base of the midfield, while López can continue developing his own role further forward.
The two could therefore have plenty to offer Barcelona together.
The No. 7 Could Start a New Chapter for Fermín
Rather than viewing the number change purely as something he has lost, López has an opportunity to make the No. 7 his own.
The shirt has a significant history at Barcelona, and taking it after Torres' departure gives the 23-year-old another opportunity to establish himself as an important figure at the club.
His willingness to accept the change also removes any potential distraction before the new season.
For Rodri, meanwhile, getting No. 16 means his Barcelona adventure could begin with a familiar symbol from the moment he steps onto the pitch.
Rodri's Arrival Changes Barcelona's Midfield
The shirt-number story is ultimately a small detail compared with what Barcelona expect from their new signing.
Rodri arrives as a Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.
His experience could be particularly valuable as Barcelona look to compete domestically and make another serious push in Europe.
López appears to understand that.
He may have lost a number that meant something to him, but he is gaining a world-class teammate in return.
And if Rodri can reproduce his best form in Catalonia, Fermín may eventually look back at the No. 16 change as a very small price to pay.
Fan Debate
●⚽ Goal: Does Rodri deserve to take Barcelona's No. 16?
●🔥 Fire: Could Rodri become Barcelona's most important midfielder?
●😲 Shock: Would you give up your favourite shirt number for a new teammate?
●👍 Like: Is No. 7 a better fit for Fermín López?
●💬 Comment: How good could Rodri and Fermín be together?
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