The transfer market left an unexpected episode at FC Barcelona. In a window marked by LaLiga's economic difficulties and the Premier League's strength, Fermín López's name made its way onto the agenda of an English giant.
What seemed like the start of a major negotiation ended up turning into a clash of dignity, pride, and demands.
An offer that outraged Laporta
Barça asked for €90 million (approx. $97.5 million) for Fermín, convinced that his value should be on par with the best young midfielders in Europe. However, Chelsea's response was radically different: just €40 million (approx. $43.3 million) on the table.
The difference in valuation caused monumental anger at Camp Nou. Joan Laporta didn't understand how a Premier League club could pay much higher amounts for footballers of a lower level. Yet, they undervalued a player who just had an impeccable year.
The sporting weight of Fermín
Fermín López is not only a homegrown player established in the first team. Last summer, he was named MVP of the Olympic Games.
He plays with the Spanish national team, which is the European champion, and was a key piece in a Barça side that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa. He also reached the semifinals of the Champions League.
Despite that track record, Chelsea stood firm at €40 million (approx. $43.3 million). That figure was offensive both to the club president and to the player himself. The Barcelona environment interpreted the move as an attempt to take advantage of the Catalan club's economic situation.
The Premier League as a mirror
Laporta's anger grew as he reviewed the English market. This summer, the Premier League closed 28 signings for amounts higher than Chelsea's offer for Fermín.
Four of those deals were made by the London club itself. Chelsea spent much more money on footballers who, according to the Barcelona board, don't even come close to Fermín López's potential.
These are the cases of Joao Pedro from Brighton (€63 million, approx. $68.3 million), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund (€56 million, approx. $60.7 million),
Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United (€46 million, approx. $49.9 million), and Jorrel Hato from Ajax (€44 million, approx. $47.7 million).
The conclusion was clear: if Barça lowered the price, it would send a message of weakness. In a market where the Premier League sets the economic rules, the Catalan club decided to stand firm.
Fermín also took note
Beyond the institutional outrage, the story had a personal impact on the player. Fermín understood that in London, they hadn't taken him seriously.
His role at Barça is that of an undisputed starter. With a growing role in Hansi Flick's project, meanwhile at Chelsea he would have arrived as a secondary reinforcement and without the financial recognition he deserves.
The deal never looked close to being finalized. Although the final word would have belonged to the player himself if the €90 million (approx. $97.5 million) had been reached. The truth is that the wall of dignity raised by the club and the lack of ambition shown from Stamford Bridge blocked the agreement.