Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: European trio want Fermin Lopez, Hansi Flick trusts Inigo Martinez, and more - October 31, 2024
Barcelona are flying high under the tutelage of Hansi Flick this season. The German manager has taken the Catalans to the top of the LaLiga table after 11 games, six points ahead of Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, three European clubs are ready to go to war for Fermin Lopez. Elsewhere, Inigo Martinez has opened up on Hansi Flick's impact at Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 31, 2024.
European trio want Fermin Lopez
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are eager to sign Fermin Lopez, according to Fichajes. The Spanish midfielder has been quite impressive for Barcelona this season and has emerged as a key figure under Hansi Flick.
Lopez has suffered with injuries this campaign, missing as many as seven games due to a muscle injury. However, he has still registered two assists from six games across competitions for the Catalans.
The 21-year-old has emerged as an alternative to Dani Olmo, who has also struggled with injuries in recent times. Lopez's efforts have already earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.
Arsenal and Liverpool are hot on his heels, while PSG are also keen to secure his signature. The player is under contract at Camp Nou until 2027, but Barcelona could be willing to let him go for €80m next summer.
Hansi Flick trusts Inigo Martinez
Inigo Martinez has revealed that Hansi Flick made him feel comfortable at Barcelona from day one. The Spanish defender arrived at Camp Nou as a free agent in the summer of 2023 and was in and out of the starting XI under Xavi.
This season, however, he has cemented his place in the first team under Flick, forging a stellar partnership with Pau Cubarsi at the back. The 33-year-old has appeared 13 times across competitions for the Catalans, all of which have been starts.
Speaking to TV3, Martinez insisted that Flick gave him a lot of confidence right from the start.
“The manager told me that I was his first choice. He gave me a lot of confidence from the first minute. Being 33 and playing regularly is not easy. I try to make the most of all the opportunities that come my way. So many years playing in the first division and winning titles would be a reward for the work done,” said Martinez.
Martinez's contract with the LaLiga giants expires next summer and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Manchester United were desperate to sign Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in 2022
Manchester United were desperate to sign Frenkie de Jong in 2022, according to The Athletic. The report adds that the Red Devils went to great lengths to convince the Dutchman to move, even preparing a video with club legends to turn his head.
Barcelona were willing to allow De Jong to leave that summer to address their financial woes. The Catalans had apparently accepted a colossal offer from the Premier League giants for the player's services.
Manchester United wanted to inform the 27-year-old that he would be the centerpiece of Erik ten Hag's midfield. However, De Jong never watched the video as he wanted to stay with Barcelona. The player's contract at Camp Nou, however, is set to expire in 2026, so the Red Devils could return for him soon.