Hansi Flick intervened and vetoed Fermin Lopez’s possible departure from Barcelona after both Manchester United and Chelsea lodged bids for the attacking midfielder this summer.
Lopez has scored 19 goals in 89 appearances for Barca since breaking into the first-team in 2023 and was a part of Flick’s squad that won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last term.
But while Lopez signed a new contract last autumn, a deal that tied him to the Camp Nou until 2029, there has been speculation that he could be on the move before the summer transfer deadline.
United and Chelsea have been credited with a strong interest for some time and launched moves to sign Lopez, with both clubs known to be on the hunt for attacking reinforcements for the 2025/26 campaign.
But according to Spanish publication Sport, Barca head coach Flick was not prepared to let go of Lopez and the player ‘has never been willing to leave either’ – and the door has now been closed on a potential switch.
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The report suggests both English sides approached Barca to begin negotiations and made ‘dizzying’ offers in the region of €80m (£69.3m) to try to prise the 22-year-old away from Catalonia.
It’s claimed there were many voices within Barca’s hierarchy that were willing to formalise a deal, which would have helped resolve the club’s salary cap issues.
However, Flick is said to have ‘blocked’ Lopez’s departure ‘at all costs’ and agreed not to make any additional signings if it meant the midfielder would have to depart.
Flick has been clear both in public and in private that Lopez is likely to be a key player for him this season and the Spanish champions responded by rejecting both bids from the Premier League.
Marc Casado’s future is another matter altogether, though, and the 21-year-old defensive midfielder could be allowed to move on should Barca receive a suitable offer for his services.
In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Lopez poured cold water on rumours he could be set to leave Barcelona and urged fans to ‘rest easy’ over his future.
‘I want to stay here,’ the Spain international said.
‘It’s my dream and I’ll stay. I’m happy to help the team.
‘Many things have been said, but I’m going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone. The fans can rest easy.’
Lopez has been encouraged by Barcelona’s business across the summer and is pleased that Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s dispute with the club has now been resolved.
‘The new players are doing very well and they will help us a lot,’ Lopez added.
‘Marc is the first captain and we respect him a lot. What’s happened is external.’
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