Fermín López's case has become one of the main focuses at the end of the transfer window at FC Barcelona. The young midfielder, a revelation in the first team, is attracting interest from several Premier League giants. What seemed like strong interest from Chelsea has now taken a different turn, with a new protagonist on the scene ready to shake up the market.
Chelsea loses ground in the race
For weeks, Chelsea was determined to sign the player from Huelva. Its financial proposal was tempting and represented a top-level sporting challenge. They wanted to bring the player to Stamford Bridge before the window closed, aware of his talent and his room for growth.
However, the story has taken an unexpected turn. The London side appears to have been outbid by other offers, and Fermín's position, as he has always shown his affection for Barça, has also helped cool down the negotiations.
Newcastle breaks the bank
The real statement has come from Newcastle United. According to El Chiringuito, the English club is willing to pay €100 million (about $108 million) for Fermín López. In addition, the proposal includes a salary four times higher than what he currently earns at Barça.
The interesting detail is that Newcastle will be Barcelona's rival in the Champions League group stage. This fact adds a special component to the deal, since a hypothetical transfer would mean facing the player just weeks after he leaves the club.
Tottenham, a third player in the game
The bidding isn't limited to two teams. Tottenham Hotspur has also made contact to explore the possibility of signing him. Three English clubs, each with its own project and arguments, have entered a race against the clock.
At Can Barça, the board led by Joan Laporta is analyzing the situation. On one hand, it's a figure that's hard to turn down from a financial standpoint. On the other, losing a talent developed at La Masia would be a blow to the sporting project and to the fans.
The final decision in Fermín's hands
Amid all this whirlwind, Fermín López is keeping calm. His priority has always been to establish himself in Barça's first team. He has said so in private and has shown it with his commitment, but the figures coming from England could make anyone hesitate.
The sporting vice president, Rafa Yuste, was clear in recent statements: "Fermín has a contract with the club. We're happy with him. Therefore, he's a Barça player."
Even so, in soccer, nothing is settled until the window closes. With August 31 just around the corner, anything can happen. The only sure thing is that the outcome of this story will mark one of the most talked-about moments of the Barça summer.