Fermín López has revealed the reason behind his decision to stay at Barcelona despite interest from Chelsea. The young midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, but ultimately, the deal never materialized.
The 22 year old Spaniard confirmed that Chelsea were indeed keen on signing him, and he felt flattered by their interest. However, his heart was set on continuing his journey with Barcelona.
“From the beginning, my priority has always been Barça,” Fermín told Football Espana. “I joined the club when I was 12, and ever since then, my dream has been to reach the first team. Of course, it’s always flattering when other clubs show interest, but the truth is, I’ve always wanted to stay and succeed here.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick had also publicly stated that he still needed Fermín in the squad, which played a significant role in halting the potential move to Chelsea.
“It’s not just this week I’ve felt truly valued by the club since I made it into the first team,” Fermín added. “I’m grateful that they see me as an important player for Barça.”
Fermín was officially promoted to Barcelona’s senior team in 2023. Since then, he has made 90 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists. He played a key role in helping Barça secure a domestic treble last season, lifting the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.
