The situation of Fermín López at FC Barcelona has become a frequent topic of conversation. Despite his undeniable talent, the midfielder hasn't managed to establish himself as a starter under Hansi Flick's direction.
His performance has been outstanding whenever he has been given the opportunity, but the high level of competition in Barça's midfield has limited his minutes. This has attracted the interest of teams like Atlético de Madrid, which has already made offers for him.
Competition in the Midfield
With Hansi Flick's arrival on the bench, FC Barcelona has regained its playing identity. The great quality of its squad, especially in the midfield, is a clear reflection of this.
Players like Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, and Pablo Torre make up an impressive line of midfielders. However, this wealth of options has created a challenge for Flick, who is forced to manage a locker room with fierce internal competition.
Barça's midfield has seven players for three positions, which generates constant rotation and difficulties in keeping everyone happy. Although this abundance of talent is positive for facing a long season, the lack of minutes for some players has become a concern.
Players with Fewer Opportunities
Within Barça's midfielders, there are players who currently have more minutes and others who, for various reasons, don't have as much regularity. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi seem to be the trusted players for Hansi Flick in his starting line-up. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo also has many options to add minutes frequently.
However, players like Marc Casadó, Fermín López, and Pablo Torre find themselves in a different situation. Although Fermín López's performance has been outstanding in the matches he has played, he hasn't managed to earn a fixed spot in the starting eleven. Pablo Torre, who was loaned to Girona last year, still hasn't found his place in Flick's scheme.
Atlético de Madrid's Interest
Atlético de Madrid has shown great interest in signing Fermín López. According to El Nacional.cat, Atlético de Madrid would be willing to offer up to 70 million for Fermín López. Cholo believes that Barça's midfielder would fit perfectly into his scheme, thanks to his ability to reach the area, his defensive work, and his dynamism in the game.
Despite Atlético de Madrid's interest, FC Barcelona isn't willing to sell Fermín López. The young midfielder renewed his contract with the club until 2029, reflecting the board's intention to retain him long-term. For Barça, Fermín is a key piece in their future and they trust that, over time, he will be able to earn a more prominent place in the team.