Manchester United were one of several Premier League clubs interested in Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez, who has been outstanding this season
Fermin Lopez during a Barcelona game
Fermin Lopez was outstanding for Barcelona against Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United target Fermin Lopez has rubbed salt in the club's failed pursuit for him after his Champions League masterclass against Newcastle United this week. The 22-year-old midfielder was targeted by United last summer among other Premier League clubs but his love for Barca meant he never wanted to leave his current side.
And the Spanish giants will be very grateful for his decision, as he delivered one of the standout displays in their 7-2 win over Newcastle United this week with Hansi Flick's side running riot at the Camp Nou.
Although Lopez scored just the one goal, his influence stretched far beyond that, as he gave rhythm and aggression to Barcelona's midfield throughout the night. His goal celebration captured his deep love for the club, as he mimicked Barca legend Lionel Messi.
Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez showing off Lionel Messi's iconic celebration(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
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United, meanwhile, who are fighting to return to the prestigious Champions League, will have watched on from afar after missing out on the chance to sign him last year. Back in August, Spanish outlet Sport claimed United were prepared to make a £61million offer for the Spain international.
However, he later told Mundo Deportivo that his love for Barca meant he had no desire to leave.
"Well, in the end my priority has always been to be at Barca," he previously said. "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.
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"Those conversations [with Hansi 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. 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."
Across 38 games in all competitions, Lopez scored 12 goals and provided 16 assists.
After the spectacle in Catalonia, the Spaniard and his teammates will face La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid in the quarter‑finals, with the two legs scheduled for next month.