Barcelona manager Hansi Flick personally intervened to block the possible departure of one of his players following big-money bids from Manchester United and Chelsea.
A handful of players have left Barcelona this summer, including Pau Victor, Clement Lenget, Pablo Torre and Inigo Martinez, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr after terminating his contract by mutual consent.
It has also emerged that the La Liga champions were considering the departure of La Masia product Fermin Lopez, who continues to be linked with a move.
In fact, after Chelsea and Manchester United made ‘dizzying’ offers in the region of £69.3 million for Lopez, there were 'many voices' within Barca's hierarchy that were willing to formalise a deal, which would have resolved all salary cap issues.
Flick is clearly a huge fan of Lopez. Image credit: Getty
Flick is clearly a huge fan of Lopez. Image credit: Getty
"There was intense internal debate at Barca about the advisability of accepting this deal," a report from Sport says.
A large section of the board were keen to open talks given Lopez's ranking within the team, but manager Hansi Flick was desperate to keep hold of the Spanish midfielder and vetoed his departure.
After personally intervening in talks, Flick's actions were decisive as Barca officially rejected the proposals from the previously mentioned Premier League clubs. The player will remain at Barcelona beyond this summer.
What has Lopez said about his Barcelona future?
The 22-year-old midfielder, who scored eight goals in 46 appearances for Barca last season, recently urged fans to "rest easy" over his future at the Catalan club.
"I want to stay here," he told Mundo Deportivo. "It’s my dream and I’ll stay. I’m happy to help the team."
Lopez added: "Many things have been said, but I’m going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone. The fans can rest easy."
Last month, a club from Saudi Arabia are said to have made a similar offer to the one Chelsea and Manchester United made, but Lopez turned down the move.