FC Barcelona has closed the winter market without being able to sign Marcus Rashford. Despite attempts to secure the loan of the English forward, the club couldn't free up enough salary mass to close the deal.
Now, with an eye on the summer market, the board is clear that it needs a big sale to sign a top-level forward. Meanwhile, the opportunity has arrived with Fermín López.
The Barça youth player has been in the spotlight in recent days due to an irresistible offer. Barça is very close to accepting the proposal, and everything points to his departure being official in the coming hours.
Fermín López, from promise to bargaining chip
The midfielder recently renewed his contract until 2029 with a release clause of 500 million euros (approximately 550 million dollars). However, his role in the team has changed with the arrival of Hansi Flick.
Despite his talent and dedication, Fermín has lost prominence. His participation has decreased in recent months, and although the coaching staff values his potential, the club needs to cash in to strengthen the squad. With the need to sign a top-tier forward, Fermín's sale has become a real option.
Two European giants pay a fortune for him
Interest in Fermín hasn't taken long to arrive. Two teams have put a million-dollar offer on the table to acquire his services: PSG and Manchester United.
Luis Enrique wants to strengthen the Parisian team's midfield and believes the Barça youth player would fit perfectly into his scheme. In England, United has also shown strong interest. Rúben Amorim is looking for young talent and sees Fermín as an ideal piece for his new project.
Both clubs have presented offers exceeding 60 million euros (approximately 66 million dollars), an amount that Barça considers sufficient to approve the operation. The decision to accept the sale of Fermín López hasn't been easy. Joan Laporta and Deco value the player, but the club needs to generate income to face new additions in the summer.
The main objective remains to strengthen the forward line with a top-level player. Barça doesn't want to enter the next season without a reliable offensive reference. Fermín's departure will allow the club to have more leeway in acquiring a star striker.
Who will be Barça's big signing?
With Fermín's sale practically closed, Barça is already working on finding its new forward. The sports management is handling several names, but there are three options that stand out above the rest.
Nico Williams, Lautaro Martínez, Oshimen, and Gyökeres are just some of the names that have been mentioned for Barça in recent months. What is clear is that a generational change is needed for Lewandowski, who at 36 years old seems to be in his last dance.
Everything indicates that Fermín López will leave FC Barcelona in the coming hours. His departure will represent an emotional blow for the fans, but also a key financial injection for the team's future.
Barça is committed to strengthening with an elite forward, and the sale of the youth player will be the first step to achieving it. The summer market will be crucial, and the club doesn't want to fail in its big signing.