Fermín López is one of the FC Barcelona footballers with the brightest prospects in the final stretch of the summer transfer window. The Huelva native finished the preseason with a brace against Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy, and although after the match he once again stated his desire to stay with the Blaugrana for many years, several teams are insisting on signing him.
One of them is Manchester United. The 'Red Devils' have invested 229.7 million euros in four signings this summer, with Benjamin Sesko (€76.5M) being their most expensive signing so far. The latest reports indicate that Rúben Amorim's side could even surpass this figure with their next transfer target.
Indeed, at Old Trafford, they are not ruling out an offer of up to 80 million for one of Barça's players. Man U's target is reportedly Fermín, with the understanding that the Huelva native is not guaranteed a starting spot under Hansi Flick for the 25/26 season.
United's plan to try to convince Fermín López
Last season, the El Campillo native played in 46 matches (22 as a starter), contributing 8 goals and 10 assists in 2,039 minutes of action. Manchester would offer him an undisputed starting role, although Amorim has options like Mason Mount and the newcomer Matheus Cunha for the attacking midfielder position, where the Spanish international feels most comfortable.
At Barça, the number '16' must compete with Dani Olmo and Gavi for a place in the starting XI, given that the squad has plenty of alternatives in attack and, in midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri González will be untouchable as long as they are fully fit.
Beyond this, Fermín is confident he can earn his place in Flick's team. "I want to stay here, honestly, it's my dream and I will stay," he said after the Gamper. Although United's offer, in addition to a key role, would also guarantee him a much better contract, the Huelva native has no intention of leaving.
Firstly, because he feels supported by the fans and the club, and he also maintains an excellent relationship with the coaching staff. Furthermore, López believes that this Barça team can define an era and win everything in 2026, which is why it would be a mistake to leave the team at this time.
Manchester United will not be able to negotiate with Barça without Fermín's 'OK'
In contrast, United, despite its prestige, is in the midst of a sporting transition. The 'Red Devils' will not be playing in European competitions in the 25/26 season and are by no means favorites to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title. Man U's main objective is to return to the Champions League in 2026 and try to win a domestic cup.
Barça, for its part, while needing to make a major sale to overcome its Financial Fair Play problems once and for all, does not plan to force the exit of Fermín López or any other player valued by the coaching staff.
The midfielder has a contract until 2029 and his release clause remains at 500 million euros. As long as the footballer has no intention of leaving and performs at his best, the club will continue to count on him in the medium and long term.
The same is true for players like Marc Casadó and Ferran Torres. Both have options to play and earn much more, but they prefer to stay at a Barça where no one is thinking of leaving and whose board values and protects its young talent.