Fermín López is having a memorable season with FC Barcelona. Since he debuted with the first team, his progression has been meteoric and his presence on the field increasingly decisive. Hansi Flick considers him essential for his new Barça, and it shows in every match.
Beyond Camp Nou, Fermín has also made his mark on the Spanish National Team. His performance at the Paris Olympics was extraordinary, becoming champion and leaving an indelible image. Alongside him, another midfielder excelled brightly, and they formed a connection that promised a future.
A Golden Pair
That duo became the engine of the Olympic Roja's midfield. Together they moved the team, broke lines, and provided decisive goals and assists. The understanding was so natural that it seemed they had been playing together for years.
The excitement quickly spread to the Barça sphere. In Barça's offices, that connection didn't go unnoticed, and the fans began to dream of seeing it again, but this time at Camp Nou. Even Fermín, in private, admitted that he would love to share a locker room with his partner again.
Hansi Flick gave the green light to study his incorporation. The sports management, led by Deco, valued the signing for his qualities and projection. He fit Barça's style and had chemistry with one of its emerging stars.
However, the current economic context limited possible operations. With a midfield full of figures like Gavi, Pedri, De Jong, and unable to free up salary mass, the operation became very complicated. The player remained on the radar, but he gradually drifted away.
The Unexpected Twist That Changes Everything
While Barça hesitated, another club moved quickly and without hesitation. Silently, they convinced the footballer that his future was elsewhere. Negotiations advanced quickly, and within a few days, a preliminary agreement was reached.
The coach of his new destination has been following him for weeks. He believes he has the perfect profile to strengthen his squad and be important from day one. Moreover, he hasn't hesitated to ask the board to assume the cost of his clause.
Barça Can't Compete Economically
The transfer will be executed for 45 million euros. A considerable figure, but perfectly manageable for the player's new club. Meanwhile, Barça is out of the race for his signing, limited to watching from a distance.
The operation was ruled out in Camp Nou's offices. Despite Flick and Fermín's desire, the club prioritized other positions and ruled out new additions in the midfield. Too much accumulated talent... and very little margin.
Yes, the footballer in question is Álex Baena, the great jewel of Villarreal and Fermín's inseparable former teammate at the Olympics. The Andalusian midfielder will play next season under Diego Simeone's orders. Atlético de Madrid has already communicated his signing internally, and everything will be made official in the coming days.
Baena arrives at a club that will give him minutes, weight, and a leading role in a competitive system. For Fermín, it's an emotional blow, but also an additional motivation. Both will continue to grow, although now they will do so on different paths.