Barcelona's summer has been marked by financial tensions and unexpected moves in the market. However, one of the most striking chapters was the interest that Fermín sparked in the Premier League. The homegrown player became the unwitting protagonist of a multi-million bidding war.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea formally expressed their interest to the blaugrana offices. Both clubs were willing to pay close to €80 million for the midfielder. This is a figure that's hard to ignore for an entity that remains constrained by financial fair play.
The case forced the club to open an intense internal debate. For some executives, accepting such an amount was the best way to ease the accounts. Others, however, feared losing a player who had shown extraordinary potential.
Flick steps in forcefully
In the midst of the discussion, Hansi Flick emerged. The German coach, who knows English soccer well, assessed the situation cautiously. For him, Fermín had evolved remarkably since the start of preseason.
The coach had expressed doubts about the player at the beginning of the summer, acknowledging that he needed to see him in action in demanding contexts. But the weeks of preparation cleared up any uncertainty. Fermín showed character, scoring ability, and the capacity to compete in a midfield overloaded with stars.
This personal and footballing growth led Flick to intervene directly in conversations with the board. The coach conveyed his conviction that letting go of the homegrown player would be too risky. In his opinion, he was a footballer capable of making a difference both now and in the immediate future.
Economic pressure and internal doubts
The economic temptation, however, was very strong. Eighty million euros (€80 million) would've allowed the club to register all pending players and strengthen needed positions. Some executives even argued that it was the perfect opportunity to balance the books and plan the squad without surprises.
In addition, the competition in midfield is fierce. With Gavi, Pedri, De Jong, and the emerging Marc Bernal, Fermín's position seemed more than covered. That reality fueled the idea that, although painful, the sale could be strategic.
This wasn't the first time offers had arrived for the player. Weeks earlier, a club from Saudi Arabia explored his signing with an even higher proposal. Back then, it was the footballer himself who ruled out leaving, convinced that his place was at Camp Nou.
With the Premier League, however, the scenario was different. Playing for United or Chelsea represented an indisputable competitive leap. Even in the blaugrana locker room, some teammates wondered if the homegrown player could resist such a challenge.
Imminent decision
For several days, Barça lived with uncertainty present in every internal conversation. The executives analyzed numbers, Flick insisted on his position, and the market moved forward. The outcome had to arrive before the close of the summer market.
In the player's circle, there was also much debate. Fermín, who is deeply emotionally attached to Barça, wasn't considering forcing anything. He understood that his future could depend on what the institution decided. His agent acknowledged that the opportunity was unrepeatable.
Finally, the board had to take a clear position. The tension between sporting and economic interests reached its peak. The pressure from the English clubs was mounting, and time was running out for everyone.
The final decision has already been made: Fermín won't leave Barcelona. Flick managed to impose his view, and the club officially rejected the €80 million proposals. The homegrown player will remain a blaugrana, becoming a symbol that the bet