Fermín López Considers Leaving Barcelona Amid Playing Time Concerns

BARCELONA, Spain — Fermín López is among the players contemplating a summer exit from FC Barcelona unless circumstances change. The 21-year-old midfielder is pleased with the team’s overall success this season, which could see them celebrate a historic treble for the third time. However, he is dissatisfied with his lack of playing time.

Since the departure of former coach Xavi Hernández and the hiring of Hans-Dieter Flick, López has seen his role diminish significantly. While he unexpectedly started in the semifinal match of the Copa del Rey, he returned to the bench during the latest La Liga EA Sports match against Betis. He primarily plays during rotations or emergencies, lacking the consistency necessary to fully leverage his potential.

López, who previously played for Linares and Recreativo de Huelva, has expressed that while he feels at home at Camp Nou, he must also consider his career trajectory. His primary goal is to secure a place in Luis de la Fuente‘s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a feat he accomplished during the Euro 2020 tournament. However, his current lack of playing time makes this goal increasingly difficult to realize.

“I need more minutes to show what I can do,” López stated. “If Barcelona can’t guarantee me regular playing time, I may have to think about my options elsewhere.”

López’s potential destinations include clubs such as Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester United. Recently, discussions have arisen regarding a possible move to Atlético Madrid, following interest from coach Diego Pablo Simeone.

While López is still weighing his options, a new contender has emerged. Liverpool has reportedly contacted his representatives, signaling their interest in bringing him to Anfield. The Premier League side is financially capable of making a significant offer, with estimates suggesting they could pay over €50 million to secure his transfer.

The situation remains fluid as the summer transfer window approaches, and López’s next move will depend largely on his playing opportunities at Barcelona over the coming months.