Barcelona has firmly rejected a €75 million offer from Chelsea for their rising midfield star, prioritizing his role in their long-term plans.
Catalunya Radio reported that the Catalan side rejected the bid, which involved a player included in the offer.
The Catalan Giants, led by Hansi Flick, view the midfielder as untouchable, and Hansi Flick has stated that he would play an integral role in Barcelona’s plans despite major European clubs expressing interest in him.
The player in question is Fermin Lopez, who has emerged this season as an impressive young La Masia talent. Lopez, 22, featured in 46 matches this season, scoring eight goals and assisting ten more, which is exceedingly impressive given he has not always been in the starting line-up.
Lopez shows versatility and flair in attacking midfield and has built on the back of his breakout season during the 2023/24 season under Xavi Hernandez.
Recently extending his deal until 2029 with an incredibly high release clause, Lopez is expected to be a bedrock of Barcelona’s project.
Chelsea’s aggressive approach may have taken Barcelona by surprise, but for Flick, it’s simple: Lopez is not for sale, even if an offer of €100 million was presented.
The German coach has a firm belief in Lopez as a developing talent and a valuable part of the way that he wants his team to play.
The offer is attractive given Barcelona’s financial limitations, but it wouldn’t change the fact that they’re a development club first.
Lopez is a La Masia graduate who has cemented his place in the first team, and it’s important for the club to have a product of their youth academy to carry their midfield for the next decade.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona will have their work cut out in preserving their hold on their young potential star before they may be tempted to help boost their finances.
For now, however, while Chelsea will keep their eyes on Lopez, he is firmly in Catalonia.
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