Barcelona midfielder Fermín López has signed a contract extension that will last until 2031, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. This decision effectively ends any current interest from Chelsea in securing the Spanish international.
Chelsea had explored the possibility of signing Fermín last summer; however, a transfer never took place. Despite this, the potential for a Premier League team to make a lucrative offer lingered.
In response, Barcelona initiated discussions to extend the 22-year-old’s contract earlier this month, aiming to deter English clubs from pursuing him further while also rewarding his impressive season.
Sources indicate that Barcelona intended to finalize the renewal before the club’s presidential elections in March, while coach Hansi Flick sought to avoid a repeat of last summer’s uncertainty regarding Fermín’s future.
Fermín’s previous agreement still had three years left, containing a release clause of €500 million (approximately $596m).
This news has been positively received by his teammates, including Dani Olmo, who competes with Fermín for the No. 10 position. “I’m thrilled for him because he wants to be with us,” Olmo stated in a press conference before Wednesday’s Champions League match against Copenhagen.
“He’s an outstanding player and an excellent teammate. This contract renewal is great news for everyone—the club, the locker room, and the fans. We share a strong bond on the pitch. Even though we play the same role, it’s never been a problem, and we’re getting more opportunities to play together.”
Fermín has netted 10 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions this season, making him one of only four players in Europe’s top five leagues to achieve double figures in both goals and assists, joining teammate Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich players Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.
As Barça prepares for Copenhagen’s visit to Spotify Camp Nou this week, Fermín leads the team in the Champions League with five goals, aiming to help secure the club’s place in the top eight and automatically advance to the round of 16.
Barcelona will face Copenhagen without Pedri due to injury and Frenkie de Jong due to suspension, although Ferran Torres is back from injury.
A victory could lift Barça, currently ranked ninth, into the top eight, but this is not guaranteed. “The main priority is to perform our duties,” Flick asserted during a news conference. “We need to deliver our best game. Our goal is to win and reach the top eight.”
“We focus solely on ourselves and must play a tough match against Copenhagen at our highest level. This is part of our philosophy. We are confident in our style and how we play football, and that’s what I want to see. The Champions League always demands that you reach your peak,” he added.