Barcelona highlighted several of its players for a transfer this summer, and few more than Fermin Lopez.
The hypothesis was perhaps that he would not be holder this season, and the transfer market is full of potential contenders. López, 22, replaced Dani Olmo well at the end of last season, while the latter was injured, to the point that some wondered if he would not be a better choice behind the attacker. Hansi Flick, in particular, praised the Masia player.
According to Sport, Manchester United and Chelsea were ready to conclude an agreement for Lopez this summer and started negotiations with the Catalan giants. Within the hierarchy, many were ready to commit to Lopez. This transfer would have solved the persistent salary ceiling problems this summer, three players remaining to be engaged before the end of the transfer window.
Fermin Lopez was mentioned as a potential transfer.
The Catalan daily reports that these offers aroused “intense debate” within the club. Although Lopez has not expressed any intention of leaving, management estimated that it could be pushed to leave.
Hansi Flick prevented the transfer.
However, Flick insisted that he wanted Lopez to remain and convinced the club to decline the two offers. He believed that Fermin was promised an important role this season, and he admitted that his refusal could mean the absence of additional reinforcements.
López was mentioned as a departure during each of the last three summers: first as a return player who may not have a role, then as a surplus, and finally as a means of generating a large sum this summer. However, if its current trajectory continues, Flick will find it increasingly difficult to separate from Lopez, as its influence and impact grow.
