Barcelona sign Chelsea's transfer target until 2031

Barcelona have secured Fermín López on a new long-term deal running until 30 June 2031, committing the young attacking midfielder’s future to the club. 

The renewal, announced today, Friday, January 30th, includes a significant salary upgrade in line with his first-team status and a €500 million release clause, consistent with Barcelona’s policy for core young assets.

Fermín’s rise has been unconventional by Barça standards: rather than stepping directly from La Masia into the senior squad, he spent the 2022–23 season on loan at Linares Deportivo in Primera Federación, where he scored 12 goals in 40 appearances, a spell widely credited inside the club as decisive in accelerating his physical development before his first-team breakthrough the following season.

The renewal comes against the backdrop of genuine transfer interest, most notably from Chelsea, who made enquiries and explored a possible deal in summer 2025 as part of their midfield rebuild. 

Sources indicated the Premier League club submitted an exploratory bid of €35 million but prepared to negotiate around a fee close to €60 million. Hansi Flick, newly installed as head coach, intervened early to block any exit, identifying Fermín as a non-negotiable part of his high-energy system. 

That stance has been vindicated by Fermín’s form under the German tactician. He had 18 direct goal contributions last season and has already reached 21 this term.