Fermín López has been called up for tonight's Rayo–Barça, a relevant sign amid the market's pulse: Chelsea has already submitted a formal offer and Newcastle is considering going up to 100 million. Hansi Flick is confident in retaining him, and the Andalusian's contract includes a clause of 500 million until 2029.

Fermín López, called up: Barça sends a message in Vallecas

The inclusion of Fermín López in the squad to visit Rayo Vallecano adds weight to the continuity thesis while the market closing is rushed. The official list released on Sunday morning confirms the midfielder's trip to Madrid.

What the match in Vallecas could mean

Fermín's starting position or minutes today do not determine by themselves the outcome of the soap opera, but they can guide the readings: if he plays a relevant role against Rayo, it will reinforce the continuity narrative; if he does not participate, the window of interpretations will remain open until the market closes. In any case, the public message from the player —announced by the press for Friday— has not materialized in a conclusive statement. Starting against Rayo could be the statement, in this case from Hansi Flick and Barça, that Fermín will continue wearing the blue and garnet..

Flick, “convinced” that he will stay

In the preview of the match, Hansi Flick was clear: “I have spoken with him and I believe he will stay”. The coach, however, avoided absolute guarantees until the market closes on Monday, September 1st. The German emphasized that Fermín “is very important” for his differential profile and his roots.

Chelsea makes a move: initial offer of 40 M€

Over the last 24 hours, several headlines have reported a formal offer of 40 million euros sent by Chelsea to FC Barcelona. It is a first attempt that falls below the amounts that the Catalan club considers, from the start, insufficient.

Newcastle enters the bidding and raises the bar

In parallel, Newcastle United appears as an actor willing to tighten the auction: various reports place their willingness in the range of 100 million euros and a salary much higher than the current one, although, for now, it remains in the realm of interest and exploratory proposals.

Protected contract and club position

Barça recalls that Fermín renewed until 2029 with a clause of 500 million, a shield that marks the negotiation: the club does not want to sell and would only consider a different scenario if the player requested it and a truly irresistible offer arrived.

Sports context: competition, not “war”

Beyond the market, the internal picture is football-related: competition for minutes in the attacking midfield and the interiors with Dani Olmo, Pedri, Gavi (injured), Raphinha or even Rashford in more offensive roles. Olmo was signed in 2024 and, despite ups and downs and registration problems during 2025, is part of Flick's plan for the inside game. There are no solid indications of “tensions” beyond the natural fight for the starting eleven.

Dates and closing scenarios

The market closes this Monday. The scenarios are clear:

  1. He stays: Barça closes ranks and Flick gives him prominence against Rayo in the rotation, as a starter or with a significant amount of minutes during the match.

  2. He leaves: Hansi Flick, despite having included him in the squad, is not counting on Fermín for the match against Rayo. That could tip the player's balance to the opposite side, if this is added to an irrefutable offer, Barça will assess his sale, prioritizing the player's will and, of course, the money that can help improve the club's coffers.