Barcelona’s Fermín López ‘rubs salt in wounds’ of Premier League clubs who pursued him

It is one thing to play for Barcelona, but it is another entirely to carry the midfield with the blend of aggression and technical grace Fermín López displayed during the recent 7-2 demolition of Newcastle United. The British press was left reeling after the display, with the Manchester Evening News describing it as a “masterclass” while noting that Manchester United “was one of several Premier League clubs interested in the Barcelona youngster” last summer.
The narrative surrounding Fermín has shifted rapidly from a promising rotation player to a €100 million asset, at least according to the latest Transfermarkt valuations. This rise feels particularly pointed given the summer transfer saga involving Chelsea. Reports from beIN SPORTS last August suggested the London club was willing to tempt the midfielder with a gross annual salary of €15 million, more than double his current earnings in Catalonia.
While Chelsea reportedly prepared a bid of €58 million, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco held firm at a €70 million asking price. Even with the lure of a guaranteed starting spot at Stamford Bridge, the move never materialized.
But the player’s commitment to the club seems to be the ultimate barrier for any suitor. During a recent interactive session on DAZN, Fermín spoke about his connection to the team, stating, “At Barcelona I feel at home. Very happy.”
He dismissed the idea of a short-term stay, noting that in ten years he would love to still be at the club “enjoying football,” which is something he “dreamed of since I was a child.”
The English press appears to be feeling the sting of a missed opportunity.
Following his goal against Newcastle, which he celebrated by mimicking Lionel Messi, the Manchester Evening News suggested the former Manchester United target has “rubbed salt in the club’s wound.” They further noted that the Red Devils “will have watched on from afar after missing out on the chance to sign him last year” while they continue to struggle to return to Europe’s top competition.
Fermín’s success is a testament to the club’s developmental path, a “wonderful philosophy” that he credits for his rise.
“Barça … always believes in the players of La Masía. That is our great treasure,” he told DAZN.
Despite the noise from the Premier League and the financial dilemmas that often face the Barcelona board, Hansi Flick’s stance has remained clear: the German coach views the midfielder as non-transferable.
Source: barcablaugranes.com































