FC Barcelona's season has restored excitement for the "culé" fan. Titles, good play, and a committed group have been the keys to a year that, lacking the Champions League, has been almost perfect.
However, the club's economic reality forces a look beyond the field, and that's where the surprise comes in. It's not Ansu Fati or Pablo Torre who are on the way out. The name that resonates most in the offices is that of another young footballer.
brilliant season, difficult decisions
Hansi Flick has known how to build a balanced team. The stars have delivered, but so have the supporting players.
Players like Gavi, Ferran Torres, and Fermín himself have been essential at key moments. Without them, the national treble wouldn't have been possible.
But now, with the summer market on the horizon, Deco and the sports management are forced to make tough decisions. The club continues to exceed the salary cap, and LaLiga has been strict on the matter. They can't sign if they don't sell, and to sell, they have to put important names on the table.
Fermín, the chosen one out of necessity
Fermín wasn't the plan A to leave, nor the B. His youth, good performance, and low cost make him ideal to cash in without weakening the team.
The midfielder has a contract until 2029 and a clause of 500 million. But his real value is around 40–50 million, and several European giants would be willing to pay that amount.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea have already cast their nets, even Atlético Madrid has inquired about him. They see him as a strategic signing: young, with potential, and already adapted to the highest level. Barça, although reluctant, needs to cash in.
arabia also enters the bidding
As has become customary in recent years, Saudi Arabia doesn't want to be left out. According to sources close to the club, a Saudi team has offered Fermín a contract exceeding 8 million euros net per season. An unmanageable figure for Barça and very tempting for a young player who hasn't yet secured a big contract in his career.
However, Barça has been clear, they won't let him go for less than 60 million euros, neither to Europe nor to Arabia. Meanwhile, the player wants to stay, but he is not unaware of the circumstances. He knows that his sale could unlock key signings or renewals for the team.
summer will be long and hectic
Deco has work ahead. The club needs to sell, but it also wants to keep competitiveness. And in that balance, Fermín López has become a key piece of the puzzle.
While everyone pointed to players with less prominence, the reality is different. Barça could lose one of its gems for a reason as simple as it is painful: the economy rules. The market is just beginning, but there is already an evident reality: not even the most outstanding are safe.