Fermín López's season at Barça is turning out to be a big surprise, but not exactly for positive reasons. After a spectacular summer with Spain at the Olympic Games, where he was a key player in winning the gold, Fermín was expected to have a significant role in Barça's first team.
However, surprisingly, the young midfielder has played less than anticipated. Despite his standout performances in the Olympic tournament, Hansi Flick hasn't played him as regularly as many thought. His presence on the field has been sporadic, which has caused some confusion among fans who expected to see more of him this season.
Dani Olmo, the Main Reason Fermín Isn't Playing in the Current Barça
The main reason behind Fermín López's lack of minutes is Dani Olmo, who joined Barcelona last transfer window for an amount close to 60 million. The Spanish international has secured a starting position in the midfield, playing alongside Pedri and Marc Casadó, forming one of the team's most solid lines.
His arrival has had a direct impact on Fermín López's opportunities, as Olmo has taken on the role many thought would be for the midfielder. With internal competition in the midfield, Fermín has been relegated to a secondary role, which has precisely hindered his development in Barça's first team.
Barça's midfield has found great balance with the three starters: Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casadó. This trio has become one of the essential pillars of Hansi Flick's playing system. As the season progresses, Fermín's position seems more complicated, as the coach doesn't seem willing to change the midfield structure.
A New Star Transfer in Summer Will Leave Fermín in a Difficult Position
To make matters even more complicated, Barça seems interested in transfer another player with a profile similar to Fermín López, and it's Álex Baena. Baena has a release clause of 60 million euros, which could make his transfer challenging but not impossible. Baena's presence in Barça's team would be additional competition for Fermín, who already sees his space limited by the emergence of Olmo and Casadó.
If Barça manages to secure Baena's services, the outlook for Fermín López would be even more uncertain. The possibility of Baena joining Barcelona in the market is real, and the Villarreal player is one of the names strongly considered in the club's plans.
Baena fits perfectly into the playing style Hansi Flick seeks, and his arrival could further strengthen Barça's midfield. At his young age, Fermín has a lot of potential, but with internal competition, his future at the club seems at a crossroads. If he doesn't get more minutes and prominence this season, Barça might be forced to reconsider his role.