Manchester United were one of the English clubs lining up to sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez this summer but the Spaniard has now revealed that a move didn't align with his 'dream'
Barcelona attacker Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez insists he never intended to leave Barcelona for Manchester United
(Image: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United transfer target Fermin Lopez has made it clear that he always intended to stay at Barcelona this season.
Several Premier League clubs, including United, reportedly showed interest in the 22-year-old midfielder this summer. Spanish outlet Sport in August claimed United were prepared to make a £61million offer for the Spain international.
It was reported that the Red Devils were willing to hand Lopez a significantly improved contract to convince him to swap the Camp Nou for Old Trafford, in a bid to bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield options.
But with the summer transfer window closing on Monday, the La Masia graduate has opted to stay put in Catalonia, having joined the club back in 2016.
In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Lopez said his love for Barcelona meant he never actually wanted to leave, and that talks with manager Hansi Flick made it clear the German also wanted him to stay.
The playmaker, who won a domestic double last season, said: “Well, in the end my priority has always been to be at Barca. I arrived when I was 12 years old, it was my dream to be here, to be able to reach the first team.
"It is always a compliment that there is interest from other clubs, but the truth is that I always had the idea of staying at Barca and being able to triumph here.
“Those conversations [with Flick] are private, but yes, we spoke. We trust each other - he trusts me, and I trust him. When your coach shows confidence in you and makes you feel important, that matters.
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #16 Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 60th Joan Gamper Trophy football match between FC Barcelona and Como 1907 at Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona on August 10, 2025.
Fermin Lopez had several suitors from the Premier League
“It makes you feel valued. What we talked about was staying united and following the same path as last year to win titles together.
“I see myself completing my contract until 2029 at Barcelona. I don't want to leave. I love this club.”
United’s Premier League rivals Newcastle were also said to be interested in Lopez. El Chiringuito TV claimed the Magpies were willing to pay Barcelona a whopping £87m while also quadrupling the player's wages.
It was then reported by Fabrizio Romano ahead of transfer deadline day in late August that Chelsea had submitted a significantly lower bid of £35m for Lopez, which was seemingly rejected.
There appeared to be some truth to the reports, with the player’s team-mates understood to have teased him over a potential move to England. Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal said: “We were joking with Fermin about moving to England. We asked him about that bid from England but Fermin said he’s happy here. He had no plans to leave.”