Report: Barcelona confident star will stay despite Chelsea transfer push | OneFootball

Report: Barcelona Confident Fermín López Will Resist Chelsea Interest

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has underlined his belief that Fermín López will remain at the club despite late transfer window interest from Chelsea. Speaking ahead of his side’s LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano, Flick addressed speculation surrounding the Spanish international midfielder and stressed his conviction that the 22-year-old will not depart before the market closes.

“At the moment he is here,” Flick said when asked directly about the midfielder’s future. “I spoke with him. I’m convinced that he will stay, but at the end I don’t know what happens. We have to wait. I am really happy when the market is closed.”

The clarity of Flick’s language highlighted both confidence and realism. Barcelona know that strong Premier League offers, especially from a club like Chelsea, can turn a player’s head. Still, Flick made it clear that Fermín is central to his plans. “I told him my opinion, but it’s between him and me. Sometimes players have other thoughts. Around the players are also a lot of people, who know maybe more than we know. It’s a big business.”

Chelsea interest and Barcelona’s financial backdrop

ESPN Soccer reported earlier this week that Chelsea are among the clubs seriously considering a move for Fermín. The London side are weighing options in midfield as they continue their rebuild and view Fermín as a player who could add goals, direct running and creativity. His record of 19 goals in 89 appearances since breaking through under Xavi Hernández in 2023 demonstrates a midfielder with an eye for decisive moments.

Barcelona’s internal challenges complicate the picture. The Catalan club remain under pressure to meet LaLiga’s financial rules and sources told ESPN that significant offers for Fermín would be considered. While Flick is adamant about his desire to keep the player, economic realities mean Barça’s board cannot ignore large bids.

Still, Flick has positioned Fermín as one of his most trusted young options. “Fermín is a player who is very aggressive on the pitch, against the ball but also with the ball. He’s good sprinting between the last lines and helps us a lot to create spaces. But he’s also a really great player to score goals, give the last pass, create chances. You can see that he lives Barça. He loves Barça. I think, not to say too much, in his heart he is Barça.”

Competition for midfield minutes

Part of Fermín’s challenge at Barcelona is the sheer depth in central areas. With Dani Olmo, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal all competing for places, and with Raphinha occasionally used centrally, opportunities have not always been plentiful. This has led to speculation about his willingness to continue fighting for game time.

Fermín has already shown resilience since his promotion to the senior side. His willingness to adapt, play in different roles and impact matches from the bench has drawn respect internally. Yet the lure of Chelsea, where midfield reinforcements remain a key recruitment theme, could promise more minutes and a chance to grow within a Premier League environment.

Barcelona’s upcoming fixture against Rayo Vallecano is expected to include Fermín in the matchday squad, although Gavi has been ruled out with a knee issue. Flick noted the importance of managing squad depth, particularly with Champions League fixtures fast approaching.

Photo: IMAGO

What comes next for Fermín and Barcelona

With the window closing on Monday, Barcelona must brace themselves for potential offers. Chelsea are known for decisive late action in the market, and the midfielder’s profile fits the club’s current direction.

However, Flick’s words carried the weight of both faith and authority. “My job is to focus on the team. Everyone knows I would love to keep every player here in Barça,” he said, a pointed reminder that the manager’s priorities extend beyond financial concerns.

For now, Fermín remains at Barcelona, with his coach convinced he will stay put. The final hours of the window will reveal whether Chelsea or any other Premier League side test that resolve with a significant bid.

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From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this situation feels familiar. The club have often targeted emerging talent across Europe, betting on players who can deliver both immediate quality and long-term upside. Fermín López ticks those boxes. At 22, he already has substantial first-team experience at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and his ability to score and create from midfield is exactly what Chelsea have lacked in recent seasons.

Chelsea fans may see this as an opportunity to add another exciting midfielder who complements the likes of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. The player’s energy, pressing qualities and direct running would provide balance to a team that sometimes struggles for dynamism between the lines. Importantly, Chelsea need goals from midfield, and Fermín’s numbers at Barcelona show that he can make that contribution.

There is also an appreciation that Barcelona’s financial difficulties could open the door. Supporters know that timing matters, and if Chelsea move decisively, they might be able to secure a deal that otherwise would not have been possible. At the same time, there is recognition that a player who has grown up at Barça since the age of 13 may find it difficult to walk away, especially with Flick so vocal in his belief that Fermín “lives Barça”.

For many Chelsea fans, the dream scenario is clear. Land a player who has already proven himself in LaLiga, integrate him into a youthful project at Stamford Bridge, and watch him grow into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders. Whether that opportunity truly materialises depends on the final days of this transfer window.