Barcelona handed boost as star midfielder signs new deal that includes €500m release clause
Barcelona have confirmed that star midfielder Fermin Lopez has signed a new deal with them, keeping him with the Catalan giants till 2029. The La Masia graduate broke into the senior team in 2023, making his debut in a 4-3 win over Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica (August 27, 2023).
Fermin Lopez became the second-highest goalscorer for the club in his debut season with 11 strikes in 43 games across competitions. He was topped only by Robert Lewandowski with 26 goals in 49 games. This season, he has mostly been used as a substitute by manager Hansi Flick. The Spaniard has recorded two assists in 187 minutes of game time across six games, having started just two of them.
Through an official statement, Barcelona have confirmed that Fermin Lopez has agreed to sign a new deal with his release clause set at €500 million. The statement read (via 90min):
"FC Barcelona and Fermin Lopez have reached an agreement to extend the player's contract through to 30 June 2029. The young midfielder's buyout clause has been set at €500m."
"Pen was put to paper this Thursday at midday in the company of Barca president Joan Laporta; first vice-president Rafa Yuste; the director responsible for youth football Joan Soler; and director of sport Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco'."
Lopez has mostly been a central midfielder for La Blaugrana, exploiting spaces left in the opponent's defense or making decoy runs to provide space for other frontmen. The Spaniard has also contributed a lot in the defense, recording an average of 2.3 balls recovered per game in LaLiga last season.
(The above stats are taken from Sofascore on October 31, 2024. The website is privately owned and may change the stats as per its prerogative.)
Barcelona are willing to offer Raphinha a new deal amid reports of interest from Saudi Arabia
Barcelona are reportedly interested in handing out a new deal to Brazilian superstar Raphinha amid reports of interest from an anonymous Saudi Arabian outfit. Raphinha has been exemplary this season under new manager Hansi Flick. He's combined with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski to form one of the most lethal attacking trios in Europe.
The Brazilian has registered a whopping 10 goals and nine assists in 14 games across competitions. This includes goals against Real Madrid, Villarreal, Real Valladolid, and a UEFA Champions League hat trick against Bayern Munich.
According to Sport (via Football Espana), Raphinha is next in line to get a contract renewal after Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. Although the Brazilian's contract expires in 2027, he is reportedly willing to commit to a longer period with the Catalan giants.
An additional report by Mundo Deportivo (via beIN Sports) also claims that the Brazilian has attracted interest from a Saudi outfit. They are willing to spend €100 million to bring him to the Middle East. However, Raphinha reportedly has no intentions of leaving the Catalan side,