Fermin Lopez has no interest in leaving Barcelona anytime soon amid his links with Manchester United; instead, he wants to retire at the Catalan club.
As quoted by Daily Mirror, Fermin Lopez has commented on the speculation surrounding him. The report reveals that the 23-year-old Barcelona playmaker is a target for Manchester United. However, the youngster has poured cold water on rumours of a possible move to the Premier League.
Speaking after Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Deportivo Alaves, Fermin Lopez said, “Manchester United links? I don’t pay attention to that kind of news. I want to stay here at Barcelona as long as possible. I hope to end my football career at this club and retire here.”
The rise and rise of Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez has become a household name since breaking into Barcelona’s first-team squad nearly three years ago. The 23-year-old playmaker graduated from the club’s famed La Masia division, and he has made considerable progress under Hansi Flick, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park for his club and country.
The Spanish international was exceptional in the 2025/26 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. The homegrown prospect has been hot off the blocks this term, having contributed 6 goals and 6 assists in 13 outings thus far. Meanwhile, Lopez’s progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Fermin Lopez has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is logical, as Bruno Fernandes is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. The Manchester United captain has shown signs of age catching up with him, compelling the Red Devils to seek a long-term replacement from the market.
Fermin has the mobility and productivity (38 goals and 34 assists in 149 outings for Barcelona to date) to replace Fernandes’s impact in the long run. Apart from his goalscoring ability and creativity, the Spaniard’s age profile also potentially makes him a long-term solution in the advanced areas for Manchester United.
However, recent reports suggested Fermin Lopez had no interest in joining Manchester United, which he has publicly reiterated by reaffirming his desire to retire as a Barcelona player. So, the Premier League club must look elsewhere as they look for a long-term Bruno Fernandes successor.