Fermín López Extends Contract with Barcelona Until 2031

omidbasir- Barcelona midfielder Fermín López has officially extended his contract with the club until 2031, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. This development effectively quashes any current interest from Chelsea in signing the Spain international.

Chelsea had explored the possibility of acquiring Fermín last summer, but a transfer did not materialize. Nonetheless, the potential for a lucrative offer from a Premier League club lingered. In response, FC Barcelona initiated discussions to extend the 22-year-old’s contract earlier this month. The intention was not only to fend off interest from English clubs but also to commend him for his stellar performances this season.

Additionally, sources indicate that Barcelona aimed to finalize the renewal before the club’s presidential elections in March. Coach Hansi Flick sought to prevent a repeat of last summer, when speculation concerning Fermín’s future was prevalent.

Fermín’s previous contract had three years remaining, featuring a substantial release clause of €500 million ($596 million).

The news of his contract extension has been warmly received by his teammates, including Dani Olmo, who competes for the No. 10 position alongside Fermín. “I am delighted for him because it’s what he wants, to be here with us,” Olmo remarked during a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against Copenhagen.

“He is an incredible player and a wonderful teammate. Renewing his deal is positive for everyone: the club, the dressing room, and the fans. We have a great relationship on the pitch. I know we play the same position, but it’s never been an issue, and now we are getting more opportunities to play together. We’ve demonstrated our compatibility, and I am happy to continue playing alongside him.”

This season, Fermín has achieved remarkable statistics, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions, joining an elite group of only four players in Europe’s top five leagues to reach double digits in both categories, alongside teammate Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.

In the Champions League, Fermín leads Barcelona with five goals as they prepare to host Copenhagen at Spotify Camp Nou this week, aiming to secure a place in the top eight and an automatic berth in the Round of 16.

Barcelona will face Copenhagen without key midfielders Pedri, who is injured, and Frenkie de Jong, who is suspended, although Ferran Torres has returned to fitness. A victory could propel Barcelona, currently in ninth place, into the top eight of the standings, though this is not guaranteed.

“The most important thing is that we do our job,” Flick commented in a press conference. “We must perform at our best level. Our objective is to win and reach the first eight. We focus solely on ourselves. This upcoming match against Copenhagen will be challenging, and we must play to our highest potential. This is the philosophy we uphold. We have confidence in our style and how we play football. This is what I want to see. The Champions League is always about showcasing your top level.”