Catalan club rule out summer sale of midfielder as he is considered a long-term asset in midfield
Barcelona have decided to keep hold of Spanish midfielder Fermin Lopez despite serious interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea made a concrete approach worth around €75m for the 22-year-old midfielder, but Barcelona have turned it down, stating that Lopez is not for sale under any circumstances this summer. Club boss Hansi Flick has made it clear he sees the La Masia graduate as a central part of his project heading into the 2025-26 season, according to Diario AS.
Barcelona’s stance is significant given their pressing financial situation. The Catalan club remain under pressure to meet La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule and are actively considering player sales to balance their books. High-profile names including Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen have been discussed internally as potential sources of revenue. But club officials reportedly insist Lopez is off limits.
Barcelona believe the midfielder’s development has only just begun and view him as a long-term asset in midfield. Lopez, for his part, is not pushing for a move. He is understood to be settled in Catalonia and content with his role in the squad, despite not being an automatic starter last season.
Lopez made 46 appearances in all competitions last season, registering eight goals and 10 assists. Some other clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest but also been turned away.
