Breakout Barcelona star signs contact extension until 2027 with €400m release clause
New Barcelona academy graduate Fermin Lopez has extended his contract with the club till 2027 and has a massive release clause.
Having climbed up through the Barca ranks, Lopez, 21, made his Barca first-team debut this season and has taken like a duck to water to the first team. In seven appearances across competitions, he has scored once.
Lopez impressed boss Xavier Hernandez in free-season and was promptly drafted into the first team, where he has not disappointed. The youngster's maiden Barca goal came in the 2-2 La Liga draw at Mallorca last month as Xavi's side forced parity in the game's final quarter.
To keep potential suitors at bay, Barcelona have moved swiftly to tie down Lopez to a six-year-deal and added a release clause of €400 million. Romano posted on Instagram:
"𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Fermín Lopez has signed new deal at Barcelona valid until June 2027. Release clause included will be worth €𝟒𝟎𝟎𝐦."
Lopez, primarily a midfielder, has impressed with his versatility in the attacking third.
"Fermin Lopez could mark an era at Barca" - Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez
Considering his rousing start to life at Barca, Fermin Lopez has earned high praise from his manager Xavier Hernandez. The Blaugrana legend reckons Lopez is marked for greatness.
Lopez has made a rather seamless transition to the first team after excelling for the B side. That has certainly caught the attention of Xavi, who has afforded the youngster enough game time to improve and showcase his prowess.
Following Lopez's impressive outing in the 1-0 home win over Sevilla in La Liga earlier this month following an injury to Raphinha, Xavi said (as per Barca Blaugranes):
“Fermin has played very well, he’s a top player. I hope he will be at the club for a very long time. Fermin is a great player. He doesn’t lose balls. He has one on one dribbling. He can shoot from outside the box. He has many conditions to be a Barca player for many years. He’s very generous, and I’m so happy for him.
“If Fermín believes in himself, he can mark an era at Barca. He needs to believe that he’s a good player, that he can consistently put up good performances.
Xavi's side return to action in the UEFA Champions League in midweek at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.