Fermin Lopez has revealed he personally requested Barcelona's No. 7 shirt following Ferran Torres' exit this summer, and insists his former No. 16 will be in good hands with a certain Ballon d'Or winner set to take it over.

A switch prompted by a busy summer

A frantic transfer window has reshaped Barcelona's squad and squad numbers alike. With the No. 7 vacated after Ferran Torres' departure, the 22-year-old midfielder asked for the famous number and has been granted his wish.

“The 7 is a number that I have always liked and that great players in our history have worn. Since it was vacant, I asked for it and I am very happy to wear it,” Lopez told Ara.

Rodri to take over the No. 16

While Lopez is delighted with his new number, he admitted a tinge of sadness at leaving the 16 behind — a number he had grown attached to in his breakthrough seasons with the first team.

“I was a little sad to leave the 16 because I had a special fondness for it after these seasons in the first team, but I am convinced that it will be in good hands…” he said.

Those hands belong to Manchester City's Rodri, who is expected to take over the No. 16 once his move to Barcelona is completed. The Spanish midfielder is already in the city, set to undergo a medical before signing a four-year contract with the Catalans.

“He is a great player. Ballon d'Or winner and world champion. I have him as a teammate in the national team and he is the best pivot in the world. He will give us a lot,” Lopez added of his new club teammate.

With Rodri's arrival and Fermin's promotion to a marquee number, Barcelona's rebuild under the lights of the Camp Nou is taking clear shape.