Barcelona is experiencing decisive hours regarding one of the most promising players in its squad. Fermín López, a product of the youth academy and a symbol of the new culé generation, has become the absolute protagonist of the transfer market. He has gone from being at the center of doubts with Chelsea's offer to being the subject of a much more impactful proposal from the Premier League.
Joan Laporta, who doesn't hide the difficulties the blaugrana entity is facing to comply with financial fair play, believes the club is facing a historic opportunity. Chelsea offered €70 million (about $75 million USD) including add-ons, but the appearance of Newcastle, according to Fichajes.net, radically changes the scenario.
Barça, between necessity and hope
At Camp Nou, they know that selling a homegrown player like Fermín would have an enormous emotional cost. In sporting terms, Hansi Flick counts on him as a key piece of the rotation. However, the economic reality is pressing, and €100 million (about $107 million USD) is a figure that the board considers irresistible.
The dilemma is clear. Selling Fermín would allow the club to register all pending signings, balance the books, and even strengthen positions that are still uncovered. Keeping him would be a sporting bet that could consolidate Flick's project, but at the cost of prolonging financial tension.
Fermín, with the final say
Unlike other operations, the decision won't depend solely on the club. Laporta has already informed the player's agents that Barça accepts Newcastle's offer. But Fermín will have the final say.
Fermín didn't see his future at Chelsea clearly due to the strong competition he would face there. Now Newcastle presents itself as another strong option, with more room to make him a key figure.
The situation isn't simple for the young midfielder. On one hand, he feels he still has much to give at Barça. On the other, he is aware that the Premier League would mean an enormous economic and media leap, with a contract that would triple his current salary.
Chelsea or Newcastle: the future in his hands
The footballer has taken some time to reflect. Chelsea keeps insisting on convincing him, but Newcastle's emergence, with a €100 million (about $107 million USD) proposal that Laporta describes as "irresistible," has completely changed the board.
For now, Fermín's priority remains to stay at Barça. Flick sees him as a piece to compete with Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Rashford in the attacking midfield, and the player knows it. If he finally decides to make the leap to the Premier League, he will be the one to choose the destination: London or Newcastle.
Laporta, waiting for the answer
The culé board is waiting for a definitive answer in the coming days. If the operation goes through, it would mark a turning point in the club's recent history, which has never received such a figure for a homegrown player.
Fermín now holds the future of his career in his hands and, to a large extent, also the economic stability of Barça.