Man Utd Transfer Blow: Barcelona Star Fermin Lopez Unlikely to Move

Rumours of a €70m bid denied by transfer insider

Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona’s promising midfielder, Fermin Lopez, appears to be hitting a significant roadblock. Reports suggesting a massive €70 million offer from the Old Trafford club have been met with skepticism from a leading transfer expert.

No Concrete Interest Detected

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the situation, clarifying that there is currently no concrete movement regarding a potential transfer for Lopez. Barcelona themselves are reportedly unwilling to sanction a sale of the young talent.

“At the moment I’m told that there is nothing concrete into it also because first point: Barcelona don’t want to sell Fermin Lopez.”

—Fabrizio Romano, Transfer Journalist

For any transfer to materialise this month, Lopez himself would need to actively push for a move, approaching Barcelona’s director Deco and coach Hansi Flick with a request to leave. However, Romano indicates that Lopez is fully focused on his current club and has not expressed any desire to depart.

Barcelona’s Stance and Financial Picture

Barcelona reportedly view their squad as complete and are keen to retain Lopez, believing in his potential. While the Catalan giants might entertain an offer in the region of €70 million, which would significantly ease their financial burdens, the player’s commitment to the club appears to be a major hurdle.

In fact, a recent report highlighted the immense financial pressure on clubs, with La Liga clubs facing strict salary caps, demonstrating the financial stakes involved in high-profile transfers. For instance, Real Madrid’s budget for player salaries is reportedly around €671 million, showcasing the scale of financial operations in top European leagues.

United’s Broader Transfer Strategy

Manchester United’s primary focus in the current transfer window remains the acquisition of a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko reportedly being the top priority. The club has also explored options for a new goalkeeper, having had a loan approach for Emiliano Martinez rejected by Aston Villa. Other names like Sene Lammens and Gianluigi Donnarumma have been linked.

Despite these other targets, Romano previously indicated that United are also evaluating potential additions in central midfield before the transfer window closes. The club is reportedly willing to offer Lopez a contract that would nearly double his current salary, aiming to entice him away from Barcelona.

Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment from reliable sources suggests that a move for Fermin Lopez to Manchester United is highly improbable at this stage, given Barcelona’s reluctance to sell and the player’s apparent commitment to his boyhood club.