Barcelona has made a decision as unexpected as it is painful. As Madrid-Barcelona.com reported yesterday, Fermín López will be put on the market this summer.
This is not a punishment or a lack of trust, but rather a problem of fit. Nico Williams's arrival has triggered a devastating domino effect in the blaugrana midfield. The main victim is the young Andalusian.
Flick reorganizes the attack and Fermín is left without a spot
Hansi Flick has a clear vision. Nico Williams's signing is a response to his request and will not only strengthen the wings.
The German coach wants to place the Spanish international on the left wing. That would move Raphinha to the center of the attack, in the attacking midfielder position, just behind Lewandowski.
This tactical change automatically displaces Dani Olmo and also leaves Fermín and Gavi on the edge. Although the latter has options to be repositioned in a more defensive role. Fermín, on the other hand, is left out of all possible alternatives and sees how his chances of getting minutes vanish.
Fermín, an asset for the present and the future
The club values Fermín highly, and there are no doubts about his talent or his potential. But reality prevails: there is not enough room for everyone.
Barça needs to free up salary cap space and generate income. A sale of Fermín would leave a clean capital gain, since he came from the youth academy. Premier League and Serie A teams have already inquired about him and the club will listen to offers exceeding €25 million.
This will not be an easy decision. Fermín has shown personality, attacking presence, and goal-scoring ability. He was one of the young players who grew the most under Xavi and Flick, and his departure will be one of the most painful of the summer.
However, Barça can't keep such a talent on the bench, much less without a spot in the rotations.
Collateral damage from an exciting operation
Nico Williams's arrival has been met with enthusiasm in the Barça environment. However, in the offices, it is assumed that there will be sporting casualties. Fermín is the first major consequence, and it is not ruled out that there will be more unexpected moves in the coming weeks.