FC Barcelona is moving forward with planning for next season, focusing on keeping a solid core of key players. In the midst of this process, a surprising proposal has arrived from London. Chelsea has offered a direct swap for one of the jewels of the Barça youth academy: Fermín López.
The offer has caused an immediate stir in the offices at Camp Nou. According to information revealed by El Chiringuito, the English club already tested the waters weeks ago with a proposal of €70 million for the Andalusian player. Now, Mundo Deportivo points to a new path: a player swap with no money involved.
Barça footballers celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
Chelsea proposes...
The main figure in this proposal is none other than Christopher Nkunku. The French forward, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for €60 million, has been the player offered to Barça in this operation. The English club intends to swap him directly for Fermín, in what would be one of the most talked-about moves of the market.
Nkunku has had a decent season with 14 goals and 5 assists in 42 matches, but he hasn't managed to break out in the Premier League. From Stamford Bridge, they see it as a good move to part ways with the Frenchman in order to bring in a more dynamic and younger profile. Enric Maresca, Chelsea's coach, has personally insisted on signing him.
Faced with such a proposal, FC Barcelona decided to consult with their coach, Hansi Flick. The German coach was direct in his response: he doesn't want to part with Fermín. He considers him indispensable for his project and, moreover, isn't convinced by Nkunku's profile.
Flick highly values the Andalusian's versatility, his commitment, and his adaptation to the Barça play style. Although he acknowledges the French striker's qualities, he believes he wouldn't fit into the system or contribute the same as Fermín. That difference in profiles has been decisive in rejecting the swap.
Fermín López wants to play more | @FCBarcelona
Fermín, renewed and secured until 2029
FC Barcelona had already secured Fermín just a few months ago. The player renewed his contract until 2029, a clear message about his importance in the present and future of the team. That trust has now been reaffirmed with this firm response from the club in the face of Chelsea's interest.
During the last season, Fermín recorded 8 goals and 10 assists in 46 matches, establishing himself as a key piece in the attacking midfield. His progression has been steady and his dedication has made him one of the coaching staff's favorites.
Fermín in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Despite the interest from England, the exit door for Fermín won't open easily. At Camp Nou, they would only consider his departure if he himself expressly requested it. For now, everything indicates that the midfielder has no intention of leaving.
The internal competition in his position hasn't diminished his determination. He knows he must keep fighting for minutes, but he feels supported by the club and by Flick. Chelsea will have to look for other alternatives, because Barça, for now, has closed the door to a swap that doesn't fully convince them.
Fermín celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
This kind of proposal reflects Fermín's exponential growth on the international stage. Clubs of Chelsea's stature see him as a strategic asset. But Barça isn't willing to part with a player who represents the essence of their current project.
With their decision, the Catalan club sends a clear message: there are players who aren't for sale, no matter how tempting the offer may be. Fermín López is one of them, and his story with Barça still has many chapters left to write.
