With Manchester United still looking to add more new players to their team, one of their most recent transfer targets has spoken out about their future
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim is looking to add more players to his squad(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has declared his intention to remain in Catalunya, dashing Manchester United's aspirations of securing his signature.
The Spanish international has been linked with a bold switch to Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window. United manager Ruben Amorim is now looking to strengthen his midfield options, having primarily concentrated on reinforcing his attack.
Recent speculation suggested the 22-year-old was a target for the Red Devils who were reportedly preparing a £61million bid for Lopez, who claimed Olympic gold with Spain in Paris last year. United have completed the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m from Wolves, promising defender Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m and, most recently, Benjamin Sesko for £66.4m up front plus a further £7.6m in potential add-ons.
Nevertheless, they are seeking additional creativity and dynamism in midfield, which proved a significant vulnerability for United last campaign. Regrettably for them, Lopez will not provide the fresh impetus the Red Devils are pursuing.
He netted an impressive brace as Barcelona cruised past Como 5-0 in a pre-season encounter. Speaking following the fixture, he confirmed his future remains with the Catalan giants.
Lopez said: "It was a great game from the whole team that will be good for us. The work is non-negotiable, the pressure is high too, like last year, when we did very well. Let's continue like this."
He added: "I want to stay here. It's my dream and I will stay, I'm happy to help the team. Many things have been said.
Fermin Lopez is the best player of the match between FC Barcelona and Como 1907, corresponding to the Joan Gamper Trophy played at the Joan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on August 10, 2025
Fermin Lopez was the star as Barcelona comfortably overcame Como
"But I am going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone else, so that the Catalans are calm."
While Lopez was pondering his future, the Red Devils turned their focus to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who offers a contrasting style of play in the middle of the park. The Seagulls star has recently been touted for a major switch to Old Trafford, following his impressive displays under Fabian Hurzeler.
The Cameroonian, who arrived from Lille shortly after Chelsea secured Moises Caicedo for a then Premier League record £115m, is reportedly valued by Brighton at approximately £100m.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United interact with Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both appeared in United's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina
United's assessment is considerably lower than that of the Seagulls, as they believe a sum of roughly £70m would represent fair value. Nevertheless, with three years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, Brighton hold all the cards when it comes to setting their asking price for the midfielder.
With players like Casemiro approaching the twilight of his career and Manuel Ugarte failing to find his rhythm since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain last year, United's requirement for midfield reinforcement is obvious to many observers.
The Red Devils will surely be hoping to have a new deep-lying midfielder in their squad by the start of the campaign. They face Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea within their opening five fixtures of the season.