FC Barcelona is a club that has had a great tradition of young players coming through their famed La Masia academy. While some of them start out as young prodigies destined for the first team, some take the harder path and have to work their way up.
One of the best academy stories to have happened in recent times is the emergence of Fermin Lopez from a first-team perspective. Not one of the flashy names during his La Masia days, it was a loan spell that absolutely changed the trajectory of the Spaniard’s career.
Over the past couple of seasons, Fermin has become an important squad player in the first team, and his impact off the bench cannot be understated. This has piqued interest from clubs around the world, and now, as per Fichajes, Chelsea are willing to offer in excess of €50m to sign the Barcelona midfielder.
A dynamic attacking midfield presence
The 22-year-old midfielder is dynamic, technically gifted, and valuable in both phases of play, scoring 8 goals and providing 10 assists in 46 appearances last season, despite most of them not coming as a starting player.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, fresh off Club World Cup success, Chelsea aim for a marquee midfield signing to challenge for the Champions League. They believe Lopez can provide the energy and creativity to match their ambitions.
Despite the potential windfall that it could earn Barcelona this summer, the Barcelona board, led by president Joan Laporta and head coach Hansi Flick, is firm that Fermin continues to be an important cog of the team and that he is not a tradeable asset.
Barcelona should not sell Fermin
Allowing Fermin to depart this summer would take away from Barcelona one of their most unique profiles in midfield. There is no one else in the squad who can replicate what the 22-year-old brings to the table.
If an offer does come in for the Spanish international this summer, it remains to be seen how Barcelona respond. Ideally, they should not be entertaining a sale for any price, and let’s hope Fermin can continue to be a part of the Blaugrana first-team squad for seasons to come.
