Manchester United’s chase for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has ended in disappointment after the player himself confirmed he will not leave Spain.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who recently won a gold medal with his country at the Paris Olympics, was linked with a move to Old Trafford for weeks. Reports suggested United were ready to pay £61 million for his signature, but Lopez has now made it clear that his heart is set on staying in Catalonia.
This summer has been one of the busiest in recent years for Manchester United. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, the club has been aggressive in the transfer market.
They have already brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million, secured young defender Diego Leon, added Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71 million, and signed striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £66.4 million with another £7.6 million potentially in add-ons.
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While their attack is looking strong, Amorim has been eager to add more energy and creativity to the midfield, an area that was a major weakness last season.
Fermin Lopez had emerged as one of their top targets. Known for his sharp passing, hard work, and ability to score from midfield, he was seen as the type of player who could transform United’s play. His Olympic success with Spain only increased his value and appeal. There was genuine belief at Old Trafford that he could be convinced to join the Premier League.
However, Barcelona showed no signs of wanting to sell him, and Lopez himself gave a strong indication that he was going nowhere during a recent pre-season friendly. Barcelona faced Como and ran out 5-0 winners, with Lopez scoring twice in a performance that highlighted why United were willing to spend so much on him.
After the match, Lopez spoke to reporters and gave praise to the whole team. “It was a great game from the whole team that will be good for us. The work is non-negotiable, the pressure is high too, like last year, when we did very well. Let’s continue like this,” he said. His words reflected not only his pride in Barcelona’s current form but also his commitment to their way of working.
He then addressed the transfer rumours directly. “I want to stay here. It’s my dream and I will stay, I’m happy to help the team. Many things have been said,” he explained. By using the word “dream,” Lopez made it clear that playing for Barcelona is not just a job for him but a lifelong ambition he has no desire to give up.
He went further to reassure supporters that they had nothing to worry about regarding his future. “But I am going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone else, so that the Catalans are calm,” he added. This was a clear message to the fans: no matter the rumours or offers, his loyalty lies with Barcelona.
For Manchester United, this statement closed the door on one of their biggest summer ambitions. While the club had been willing to pay a large fee, they now have to turn their attention to other targets. The next name on their list is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, a young Cameroonian who has been impressing in the Premier League.
Baleba’s career has risen quickly since joining Brighton from Lille, shortly after Chelsea spent a then-record £115 million on Moises Caicedo. Brighton are believed to value him at around £100 million, but United think £70 million is a fairer price. The difference in valuation could make negotiations complicated.
The Seagulls are under no pressure to sell. Baleba still has three years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, which gives Brighton full control over the situation. For United, this means they may need to either pay a premium or risk missing out on another target.
The need for a new midfielder at Old Trafford is clear. Casemiro, while still experienced and capable, is nearing the end of his career. Manuel Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain last year, has struggled for consistency in his performances. Without fresh energy and reliability in the centre of the pitch, United risk being overrun by stronger opponents.
This problem could become very visible at the start of the new season. The fixture list has not been kind to them, with matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea all scheduled in the first five games. These are teams that can punish any weakness in midfield, making a new signing even more urgent.
Lopez’s rejection is more than just a transfer that didn’t happen. It is a reminder that money and prestige are not always enough to tempt a player away from his home club. For Lopez, Barcelona is more than a workplace; it is the team he grew up dreaming of playing for, and one he feels proud to represent.
From the club’s perspective, keeping a player with his talent and attitude is a huge boost ahead of the new season. His brace against Como was proof of his form and confidence, and it will give Barcelona fans more reasons to be optimistic. For United supporters, however, it is a missed opportunity to bring in a rising star who could have added flair and fight to their squad.
The situation now puts pressure on United’s recruitment team. They have already spent heavily this summer, but without a quality midfielder, they could find themselves falling short in key matches. Whether it is Baleba or another target, the need for a decisive signing before the transfer window closes is becoming critical.
For Lopez, the decision seems final. He is staying where he is happiest, defending the colours of Barcelona, and chasing more trophies in Spain. For United, the search goes on, and the countdown to the season’s first whistle is ticking faster every day.
The next few weeks will reveal whether they can bounce back from this setback and find the player they need, or whether the midfield will remain a weak point in a season where competition at the top will be fiercer than ever. In football, opportunities come and go quickly and for United, this was one that slipped away.
