Barcelona Opens Door to Selling Prized La Masia Star Amid Premier League Interest
Barcelona is eyeing Nico Williams for the 2025-26 campaign and may consider parting ways with Fermín López to one of multiple interested Premier League sides for a substantial transfer fee.
Barcelona continues to face challenging financial circumstances despite recent efforts, particularly when attempting to acquire and register new players while adhering to La Liga and UEFA's fiscal requirements.
To secure another high-profile acquisition this summer, the Catalan club must reduce their wage expenses and generate revenue through player departures to comply with La Liga's financial sustainability protocols.
This challenging financial landscape creates an opportunity for the club to evaluate potentially selling one of their promising La Masia graduates who has emerged as a standout performer over the last two campaigns: Fermín.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona would consider proposals for Fermín's potential departure, but only if the offers reach a substantial valuation that would satisfy all stakeholders.
The 22-year-old offensive midfielder maintained a consistent presence during Hansi Flick's inaugural Barcelona season, though primarily in a substitute capacity. He made 19 starts across 46 total appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, contributing 17 goals and assists while also appearing in the club's 2025-26 home jersey promotional material.
Dani Olmo currently holds the starting position as the primary attacking midfielder in Flick's favored 4-2-3-1 formation. Should the Williams acquisition materialize, Fermín's opportunities could decrease further due to increased competition in an already crowded attacking roster.
These circumstances have prompted Barcelona to contemplate selling the 2024 European Championship and Olympic gold medalist. Sources suggest that Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City would all consider pursuing Fermín if he becomes available. Additionally, wealthy Saudi Pro League clubs might attempt to attract the young academy product.
Fermín extended his Barcelona contract until 2029 last October, featuring a €500 million ($590 million) buyout clause. While no club would realistically trigger such an amount, Barcelona might be open to reasonable negotiations.
Although Fermín has consistently expressed his devotion to his boyhood club, another major European institution could present an attractive opportunity where he would have greater prominence rather than accepting a reduced role at Barcelona.
While this potential move seems difficult to imagine, it could ultimately benefit everyone involved.