The story between Fermín López, FC Barcelona, and Chelsea has been marked by rumors, tensions, and multimillion-euro figures. This summer, he was closer to Chelsea than to Barça. It has been the topic of the summer at Camp Nou, and the story is coming to an end.
In England, people took for granted that the Andalusian midfielder would end up at Stamford Bridge. However, reality has followed a very different path from what some expected.
The homegrown Barça player, who has established himself as an essential piece for Hansi Flick, didn't want to rush or let himself be swept away by the media noise. His inner circle was clear from the start: if Barça wasn't willing to negotiate, there was no reason to force an exit. That's how it has been.
Chelsea, ruled out from the start
Chelsea ended up making a final offer of €40 million, convinced that the deal would be feasible. The London club tried to take advantage of Barça's financial urgency.
The problem is that Laporta had already set a price: for less than a negotiable €90 million, there was nothing to talk about. That figure left the Londoners with virtually no options, no matter how much they insisted on convincing the player with a dizzying salary.
In London, they offered a contract of €15 million gross per season. That's more than double what he currently earns in Barcelona.
At first glance, the proposal was tempting. But Fermín didn't just look at the financial side. He also considered Chelsea's instability, a club that signs a dozen players every year and buries several of them in oblivion within just months.
The closest example was his former teammate Marc Guiu, who, after arriving at Stamford Bridge, was no longer counted on and has been relegated to a marginal role. That experience, so close, weighed on Fermín's decision.
Laporta's promise
Barça, aware that the player could feel tempted, decided to make a move. Laporta told Fermín that this wasn't the time for a salary increase, due to the current financial limitations.
However, he promised him that at the end of the season, they would sit down to negotiate a contract in line with his role on the team.
The proposal on the table is clear: to go from the current €6 million gross to €10 million, with one million more for each year he signs. Thus, in five seasons, he would reach the €15 million that Chelsea was already offering him. Fermín has said yes.
More than money, a feeling
Fermín never asked to leave. If he found himself with one foot out of Barça, it was only because the club, at one point, considered selling him as an option. But when Chelsea put only €40 million on the table, Laporta understood that the deal made no sense.
The footballer, meanwhile, has preferred stability and the chance to keep growing at Camp Nou. He knows that in London, he could be a substitute, while in Barcelona, he has already shown that he can be a starter. He will fight for a spot at home, in Spain, and defending the colors he has worn all his life.
The decision has been made. Fermín will keep wearing the blaugrana jersey, and his story with Chelsea is over.