In an attempt to balance the books this summer, Barcelona "would study offers" for midfielder Fermin Lopez, which would allow Manchester United to make an amazing triple swoop.
Following the €25 million [£21 million] signing of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the impending €58 million [£50 million] arrival of Nico Williams from Athletic Club, president Joan Laporta is trying to unload players.
Arsenal has expressed interest in Marc Casado, a fellow midfielder, and it has been suggested that the Catalans would consider offers for the 21-year-old.
However, Sport now asserts that Fermin, a long-term United target, may also be a "sacrifice" and that they are "open" to his departure should a good offer come up. According to the source, even though "Fermin is part of Hansi Flick's plans" as of right now, "the saturation of footballers in his preferred position can end up taking its toll."
Williams' arrival means that "Flick's new Barcelona will have a different design," with Raphina in the No. 10 spot, Williams on the left, and Lamine on the right, as the team has to "gain payroll."
The coaches believe Fermin "performs much better" in that attacking midfield role than "in the construction area," which is "completely armoured" anyhow, with Frankie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Casado, and Gavi all better suited to those deeper lying positions, while Pedri Gonzalez is an undeniable midfield starter.
Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo can cover that central role, so "Fermin will have a tough competition for minutes."
Fermin is under contract until 2029 and has a €500 million release clause, so he "would only move if a great offer arrives." However, the source cites Transfermarkt's €50 million [£43 million] assessment without casting doubt on its accuracy.
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In addition to Manchester United, who apparently had a "offer" of £26 million rejected by Barcelona and were informed they required £43 million to land the 22-year-old, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, and your usual Saudi Arabian hopefuls "have the player on the radar."
The story continues by saying that Ronald Aruajo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who are linked to Old Trafford, as well as left-back Gerard Martin, could also be fired.
Last week, there was a report that stated Barcelona would "without hesitation" accept a proposal of £38 million for the center-back after United made a "offer" to him. And with Chelsea showing interest in the 33-year-old, United is attempting to sign him when Ter Stegen has a watching brief at the Nou Camp after Garcia's arrival.
Since the Manchester United manager "thinks the German goalkeeper is the perfect player to lead his new project at Old Trafford from the back," Amorim "wants" Ter Stegen and Laporta "won't hinder him."
The president is aware that Ter Stegen's tenure at the club is coming to an end and that it is time to revitalize a team that needs a fresh start, the report continues.
The German isn't thinking about leaving right now, but his new position on the team and market pressure could make the difference. Barcelona is reportedly open to proposals for the goalkeeper of about €25 million [£21 million].
But there’s more going on behind the scenes than just numbers. What’s really surfacing now is a quiet storm brewing around Fermin Lopez and it’s one United are watching very, very closely.
Sources close to the club have revealed that Barcelona have rejected a €30 million (£25.4m) approach from Manchester United for Fermin earlier this month. Not because they’re adamant about keeping him. But because they believe or rather, hope they can squeeze closer to their internal valuation of €50 million (£42.6m). That valuation is, of course, inflated by necessity. Barcelona don’t really want to sell Fermin, but they need to.
As it stands, Laporta and Deco are juggling two conflicting priorities: giving Hansi Flick the tools to reshape the team in his own image, and cleaning up the financial mess that still lingers post-Bartomeu. And this is where Fermin’s future gets really complicated.
The 21-year-old exploded onto the scene last season with flashes of brilliance, clever turns, and the kind of raw hunger that had even some diehard culés drawing early comparisons to a young Andres Iniesta. But football doesn’t do sentiment anymore. And with the arrival of Nico Williams now all but done, Barcelona’s front line is changing drastically and that has a domino effect on the entire midfield structure.
According to Sport, Flick’s preferred setup has Williams locked on the left wing, Lamine Yamal on the right, and Raphinha playing centrally as a false 10. That’s already three names occupying the advanced roles Fermin thrives in. Add to that Pedri and Gavi both returning from injury and expected to be automatic starters when fit and you begin to see where the squeeze is coming from.
Even worse for Fermin, the deeper midfield roles are already stacked. Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and the ever-patient Oriol Romeu offer a defensive spine that Flick reportedly doesn’t want to tamper with too much. “There’s no room to breathe,” said one source close to the Barca coaching staff. “And Fermin, for all his talent, doesn’t fit neatly into the new jigsaw puzzle.”
To complicate matters further, United aren't the only club sniffing around. Bayern Munich, always alert when a Spanish talent becomes available, have quietly registered interest, although no formal bid has been tabled.
Chelsea, Liverpool, and even a couple of Serie A sides are also keeping tabs. But United hold one distinct advantage: they’ve already made contact, they’ve got the financial muscle to reach Barcelona’s asking price, and more importantly, they have a very clear plan for how to use him.
Erik ten Hag still in charge, despite months of boardroom unrest sees Fermin as a long-term midfield asset who can rotate with Bruno Fernandes or play ahead of Kobbie Mainoo in a more advanced double-pivot.
Internally, the player has been likened to Christian Eriksen with more bite, which makes sense considering Eriksen himself is among the names expected to leave this summer. Casemiro is also on his way out, freeing up further room in midfield.
And then there’s this: Fermin Lopez is keen on staying at Barcelona but not blindly so. In a recent interview with Catalunya Radio, the youngster admitted, “My dream has always been to succeed here at Barça. But I also want to play, to keep growing. I’m not here just to sit on the bench.” That last line is telling.
The mood within the fanbase is equally conflicted. Some believe selling Fermin would be a repeat of the club’s historic mistake in letting Thiago Alcântara leave for peanuts. Others argue that the depth chart simply doesn’t justify keeping him around on a high wage if he’s only going to play 1,000 minutes a season.
In the middle of all this is Laporta, facing mounting pressure to trim the wage bill before June 30 to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. Selling a homegrown product like Fermin one with zero amortized cost would represent pure profit on the books. That’s huge. And they know it.
So what does this mean for Manchester United?
In short: opportunity.
The club is expected to return with a second offer closer to €45 million in the coming days. Sources say it could be structured with bonuses and sell-on clauses to make it more appealing. United know they’re not just bidding for a squad player they see Fermin as someone who could potentially define their midfield for the next decade.
More than that, United want to move quickly. With Joan Garcia already announced and Nico Williams nearing completion, Barcelona will soon have to act on outgoings. And while Raphinha, Araujo, and Ter Stegen are all drawing interest, those deals are far more complex. Fermin? He’s the path of least resistance.
There’s also a tactical angle here. Flick, for all his attacking tendencies, isn’t one to gamble on rotation-heavy players unless they fit neatly into his system.
If Fermin feels he’s going to become the next Ansu Fati perpetually on the edge of the XI but never quite essential he might just agree to a move where he’s valued, not just kept.
Meanwhile, back in Manchester, Erik ten Hag has made it abundantly clear that the club’s rebuild isn’t just about splashy marquee signings. He wants versatility, hunger, players who can press and progress the ball. Fermin checks every box.
There’s also the reality that United need to do something decisive in the transfer window to steady the ship. The last few summers have been messy, to say the least.
And while the Antony debacle or Sancho saga have made fans wary of La Liga imports, the scouting department sees Fermin as cut from a different cloth technically sharp, emotionally grounded, and mentally resilient.
So what’s next?
Expect talks to intensify over the coming week. United have been cautious, but sources say INEOS is now pushing to finalize at least one major midfield signing before mid-July. And Fermin, though not the flashiest name, may just be the most available elite-caliber player who fits the system.
If Laporta caves and if Fermin gives the green light this one could move fast. With Ter Stegen also drawing interest from Chelsea and Saudi Arabia, and Araujo being eyed by Bayern and United alike, Barcelona’s summer is poised for an exodus masked as evolution. United, for once, might be the smartest player in the room.
Wanderlustsport Thought
Fermin Lopez’s future hangs in the balance. A brilliant talent caught between loyalty and logic. Barcelona can’t promise minutes. United can. Flick’s system has no room. Ten Hag’s does.
The price is steep but not unthinkable. And for United, who have spent the last decade chasing identity and balance in midfield, Fermin might just be the piece that finally brings rhythm back to Old Trafford.
If you're United, this is not a time to hesitate. Go back in with the right offer. Convince the player. Close the deal. Because in two years, if Fermin blossoms somewhere else, you’ll wonder how you ever let this one slip.