The transfer market is reaching its final stretch and Fermín López's situation is erupting again. The Andalusian midfielder, one of La Masia's most promising gems, has received a staggering offer from Chelsea. The London side is willing to pay €70 million ($70 million) for him, and at least double his current salary.
Barça, however, doesn't want to let him leave under any circumstances. Joan Laporta and Deco believe that Fermín is a structural piece for the team's future, and Hansi Flick has publicly requested that he be kept. In recent days, the relationship between the footballer and the sporting management has become strained to unexpected limits.
The trigger has been a direct ultimatum that Fermín has delivered to the blaugrana leadership. If the internal departure he is demanding doesn't happen, he would be willing to open the door to Chelsea before the market closes.
Chelsea's interest keeps growing stronger
At Stamford Bridge, they see Fermín as a top priority to strengthen the midfield. Enzo Maresca sees him as the perfect replacement for Conor Gallagher and has personally called his camp. The Italian coach has told him that in England he would be an undisputed starter and a central piece in a project that wants to return to the top.
The Blues have offered a contract worth €15 million ($15 million) per year, more than double what he earns at Camp Nou. The amount, added to the €70 million ($70 million) transfer fee, represents a difficult opportunity to turn down. The pressure is mounting and the board knows that the final decision is in the player's hands.
Barça doesn't want to repeat recent mistakes, such as the departures of young talents who later explode at other clubs. Fermín has shown quality, scoring ability, and commitment, so his sale would be a sporting and emotional blow. Even so, internal problems are making the situation more complicated.
A complicated coexistence in the locker room
For months, there was speculation that Fermín and Gavi had a tense relationship off the field. Although both share a position and competitive character, the latest reports rule out that the Andalusian has singled out the Sevillian. Flick believes that both can coexist in midfield and has made this known to the board.
The real problem Fermín points to is elsewhere in the squad. He isn't satisfied with the presence of a star signing, whom he accuses of taking away prominence in his natural position. He believes that this player hasn't justified the enormous financial effort made by the club.
That player is none other than Dani Olmo, who arrived last season as Deco's personal bet. For Fermín, the departure of the Spanish international is an essential condition to continue in the blaugrana project. He believes that Olmo's influence limits his quality minutes and blocks his sporting growth.
The dilemma for Laporta and Flick
Laporta doesn't want to lose Olmo, since he represents a prestigious signing after his time at Leipzig. However, he understands that Olmo's performance hasn't lived up to what was desired. The president will have to decide whether to prioritize the institutional bet or listen to the outcry from one of its greatest gems.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick finds himself in the middle of a real standoff. The German coach trusts Fermín and believes that his potential is unlimited, but he has also shown patience with Olmo. Even so, he knows that the locker room needs balance and that the Andalusian's discomfort could spread to the rest.
Chelsea are pushing and waiting for a quick outcome. Fermín has been blunt: either Barça solves its situation with Olmo, or a move to English soccer will be inevitable. The only clear thing is that time is running out and the ultimatum is already on the table.
