Barcelona keen on extending 21-year-old star's contract, have held talks with player's agent over potential extension - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly looking forward to extending the contract of Fermin Lopez until 2029. Journalist Carlos Monfort (via Reshad Rahman) reported that the club held discussions regarding a contract extension and the feelings were positive on both sides.
The new contract will reportedly offer a higher salary and bonuses for the player, with an increased release clause as well. There are no doubts on Lopez's side for a contract extension as he wants to stay at Barcelona.
Fermin Lopez has quickly become one of Barca's most significant players despite not being a guaranteed starter yet. His exceptional performance for Spain in the 2024 Paris Olympics could also be a factor behind his importance and value increasing at the club.
The midfielder has scored 11 goals and recorded one assist in 43 appearances for Barcelona this season. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, he scored six goals in six games. He became Spain's all-time highest goalscorer in the tournament and helped the Spanish team to win the gold medal.
A player of Lopez's profile is crucial for Barca at this point. The La Masia youngster is an attacking-minded midfielder who can both score goals at crucial points and add creativity to the midfield. However, it remains to be seen how Hansi Flick fits the youngster in his system after new signing Dani Olmo's arrival, who is a player of a similar profile.
Barcelona signed Dani Olmo on a reported €60 million deal from RB Leipzig this summer
Amid reported financial woes, Barcelona have not made any big signings this summer except Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. The Spaniard caught attention after a stunning performance in Euro 2024, becoming key to Spain's victory in the tournament.
Olmo reportedly signed a six-year deal with Barca for a fee of €60 million. His release clause is worth €500 million, per BBC. In his first interview since joining the Blaugrana, he told Barca One that he is ambitious to win big with the club.
“I always want to win, I don’t want to lose even at marbles. This is what I want to do at Barça. Barça is my home. I have all my family and friends here," Olmo said (via Barca Universal).
Olmo is a player similar to Fermin Lopez's profile. Both players can rotate with each other at Barcelona. Given Olmo's versatility, he could also strengthen the Blaugrana attack. He can also play in the left wing, where the club lacks a proper winger.
“Coming back like this is special. It was a dream for me to come back home. The club has fought to make it a reality and there was no other way to do it. There were other options, but when Barça appeared with this desire and initiative I didn’t think twice," Olmo continued in his interview.
As per El Chiringuito TV, Dani Olmo will not feature in Barcelona's opening match in the La Liga against Valencia on August 17. He is reportedly yet to be registered with La Liga and once the procedure is complete he could feature in their second match against Athletic Club.