There is movement in Barça's offices. There won't be any transfers this winter market. No more departures are expected other than Ronald Araújo's, but there are more operations underway.
Joan Laporta is rubbing his hands. With Ronald Araújo, he's about to close his big sale in the Locker Room Cleaning Operation that has remained unfinished.
Four Teams Want to Sign Fermín
Juventus will pay 50 million fixed plus 15 in variables depending on the Uruguayan center-back's performance in Turin. However, Laporta (Deco) hasn't managed to offload other players whose departure would have saved financial fair play.
These are the cases of Frenkie De Jong or Robert Lewandowski. Both were on the market showcase, but neither wanted to leave Barça.
Now, about to profit from Araújo's sale, the club has the opportunity to sell one of its most beloved players: Fermín López. Four teams have shown interest in him.
After his spectacular breakthrough in the first team last season, he dazzled the world at the Olympic Games. There, he won a gold medal and was MVP.
He Lost His Starting Position at Barça and His Progression is at Risk
However, he returned to Barça, the new Barça under Hansi Flick, and discovered a series of obstacles separating him from glory. He has lost his starting position, and his spectacular progression is at risk of stagnation.
Dani Olmo's transfer and Gavi's recoveryafter his long-term injuryhave taken over his space and there's no room for him at Barça. At least not in the starting line-up, where he can only aim to enter through rotations.
Matches like the classic in the Super Cup final define who are starters and who are not. Fermín was left out of the equation in one of the most important matches of the season.
The worst for Fermín, the player in vogue last summer, is that his situation doesn't seem likely to improve in the short term. Gavi and Olmo will always be ahead in the playmaker and false winger positions.
Fermín isn't at an age to settle. His case isn't like other illustrious teammates who don't play but won't leave Barça even with boiling water. He also doesn't enjoy a generous salary to compensate for the bench.
If His Situation Doesn't Change, He'll Consider Leaving Barça
It's understandable that if he doesn't play, Fermín would consider leaving Barça. Especially if some of Europe's big clubs show interest in him, as is the case.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in his situation.
It's normal; he doesn't play and earns little. Plus, he's young (21 years old): a bargain.
Fermín has a contract in force until 2029, with a release clause of 500 million. However, Laporta would be willing to negotiate starting at 75 million.
He barely cost 300,000 euros, so the potential money Barça could earn from him would be net profit in their operating account.
Laporta Has Already Set a Price
This year, he's playing much less than last season with Xavi: 699 minutes spread over 18 matches, with one goal and two assists. Last season, he scored 9 goals.
Fermín is one of Barça's untouchables. He's part of the golden generation of academy players that fill Flick's line-ups. He isn't for sale by definition, but everything is negotiable.
Joan Laporta has already set a price and hopes to close the deal next summer. That is, if luck doesn't change for Fermín and Flick returns him to the lost starting position.