Barça faces a transfer window full of tension between the need to generate income and the obligation to compete. In that context, Fermín's profile has become one of the most recurring topics. The Andalusian midfielder has gone from being an exciting prospect to a desired target across Europe.
The player's growth has been meteoric, establishing himself in the first team thanks to his sacrifice and ability to get forward. Flick has found in him a profile that fits perfectly with his idea of offensive and dynamic soccer. In addition, his maturity in the most difficult moments has ended up convincing everyone in the locker room.
The consequence of this performance hasn't taken long: top-level clubs have started circling around him. From England, the Premier League has been especially persistent, with clubs like Chelsea or Arsenal on the lookout. Even in LaLiga, Atlético de Madrid explored the possibility of a move, although without clear results.
Fermín López | @_ferminlopez
Growing international interest
In Italy, there have also been inquiries, with Juventus showing some interest in strengthening its midfield with Fermín. In Germany, several Bayern scouts have closely followed his progress since last season. His versatility and competitive character make him seen as an attractive piece in any major project.
In the offices at Camp Nou, the response has been clear: Fermín is not for sale. Joan Laporta and Deco believe the academy product must be an essential part of the new blaugrana cycle. Hansi Flick, moreover, has expressly requested that no negotiations take place under any circumstances regarding his departure.
Despite these instructions, calls from abroad don't stop and the figures are starting to become alarming. The club's finances aren't at their best and listening to offers is always tempting. However, both the board and the player himself keep their firm intention to continue together.
Barça footballers celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
An open debate among Barcelona supporters
The fans observe the situation with mixed feelings, between pride and fear of a possible sale. On one hand, they celebrate that the academy product has increased his value to the point of attracting such high international interest. On the other, they fear that the financial reality could end up forcing painful decisions against the culé sentiment.
The debate has also reached the media, who recall recent deals where prospects left too soon. For many, Fermín represents the essence of the new Barça and his departure would be a severe blow. The pressure on the blaugrana offices is, therefore, increasingly greater and more evident.
What seemed like simple interest has taken a radical turn in recent hours. A Premier League club has submitted a proposal that surpasses anything seen before. The figure is around ninety million euros (90,000,000 €), an amount that is starting to become almost irresistible.
Fermín celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
United launches its offensive
The move confirms the ambition of a club that hasn't hesitated to go after Fermín. It is a historic entity, used to making high-profile signings to strengthen its sports project. Its financial capacity allows it to put offers of that magnitude on the table without much hesitation.
At Barça, they haven't been carried away by euphoria or by nervousness. Flick keeps his firm stance: the midfielder must not leave under any circumstances. Meanwhile, the player feels identified with the project and isn't considering leaving now.
Even so, nobody dares to consider the story closed while the millions keep increasing. Recent experience shows that everything can change from one day to the next in the market. Modern soccer is driven by figures that break any initial plan, no matter how solid it may seem.
Fermín López in a training session | @FCBarcelona
The blaugrana locker room is crossing its fingers, hoping things don't get more turbulent than necessary. Losing such an important player would also be a blow to morale. The most experienced know that keeping the core group together is essential to compete on all fronts.
Finally, it has become known that the club that submitted the proposal is Manchester United. The English have raised their bid to 90 million (90,000,000 €) with the intention of closing the signing now. For the moment, Barça and the player keep saying no, although the final outcome has yet to be written.
