Barcelona’s summer transfer window could still hold a major twist, as Fermin López has emerged as a top target for Manchester United. The 22-year-old midfielder is drawing serious attention from the Premier League giants, with multiple sources confirming United are prepared to offer up to €70 million to lure him to Old Trafford.
Although no formal bid has been tabled yet, Fermin and Barcelona are both aware of the interest. Reports suggest United are willing to nearly double the player’s current wages, making the offer not only lucrative for the club but highly tempting for the player as well.
Fermin is seen as an ideal fit in the new-look United midfield under Rúben Amorim, who is looking to add dynamism, technical flair, and direct attacking contributions to his squad. López, who registered eight goals and eight assists last season across all competitions despite making just 12 La Liga starts, fits the profile of a high-upside attacking midfielder with untapped potential.
However, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has so far taken a firm stance. Flick is a big admirer of López and views him as an integral piece in the club’s future. He has reportedly blocked internal suggestions of a sale, indicating that he will only sanction a departure if Fermin himself explicitly asks to leave.
That said, Barcelona are walking a financial tightrope. The club still needs to make significant sales this summer to meet LaLiga’s 1:1 financial rule, register player contracts, and potentially fund key targets—such as Luis Díaz, who remains on their shortlist. That context has forced Barcelona to keep the door slightly ajar for potential exits.
Fermin isn’t the only player Barcelona could cash in on. Fellow midfielder Marc Casadó has also been linked with a departure, while Ronald Araújo’s name continues to circulate in the rumour mill. Barça have made it clear that while they’re not desperate to sell, they will listen to “serious offers” for some of their valuable assets.
Rio Ferdinand on Fermin Lopez:
“He’s not in the Premier League so people don’t realise how good he is. That boy doesn’t just play football… he embarrasses players. If United get him, that’s a Palmer type baller… maybe even more techy”
United are not the only club circling. Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and even Chelsea have been monitoring López’s situation. Some reports indicate City could make a rival bid in the €60 million range, while Bayern have also shown interest but haven’t progressed talks. Barcelona, for their part, are said to value Fermin at no less than €60 million, with a symbolic release clause of €500 million in his contract.
Still, the situation remains fluid. Despite Flick’s internal resistance, club executives know they must strike a balance between keeping the squad competitive and improving the club’s financial health. Should United formalize their interest with a concrete offer, the pressure will mount.
For now, Fermin remains committed to pre-season preparations with Barcelona and hasn’t agitated for a move. But as the August 31 deadline approaches, things could shift quickly—especially if the midfielder begins to weigh up the opportunity of a Premier League move and a starring role under Amorim.
Barcelona’s stance is clear: they don’t want to sell. But as always, in football, money talks. And Manchester United are speaking loudly.
