Within the last day, the summer transfer window for La Liga officially closed without much of a boom from FC Barcelona. Heading into the deadline, it was noted that the club was under significant registration issues as is, so not a lot of movement was expected out of the reigning La Liga champions. Regardless, transfer rumors were still abound, and one player who fell into that scope was 22-year old Spanish midfielder Fermin Lopez.
At the moment, Barcelona has a contingent of talented players already occupying the space Lopez is vying for, so an element of the potential transfer made sense. But by the end of Deadline Day, no suitor came through with a suitable offer, and Lopez remained with Barca, the club with which he currently has a valid contract until 2029.
With that caveat understood, Lopez spoke to Mundo Deportivo as the international break began, and the Barca midfielder confirmed his interest in remaining with the Blaugrana.
“You never know what the future holds,” Lopez told Mundo Deportivo. “There are things you can't control, but yes, yes, I see myself fulfilling my promise and hopefully many years here at Barca.”
Are Lopez and Gavi feuding?
Apart from that reassurance, Lopez was pressed about the nature of his relationship with teammate and Spanish compatriot Gavi. Alleged off-the-field disputes have recently muddied what has long been a strong friendship, and Lopez directly tackled the issue during his Mundo Deportivo sit-down.
“Gavi has been my friend since I was 12,” Lopez said. “I've known him since my time at Betis, but since I joined La Masia he's been my friend, like my brother. We've shared a lot. People always speculate– this won't change, but he's still my friend. We have a good relationship, as always, and I have nothing more to say about that.”
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Business first, Lopez chose not to elaborate much on the issue, instead focusing on the task he has at hand with Barca as the club hopes to retain its crown at the top of La Liga for consecutive seasons.
“Since I arrived at 12 years old, I've always been committed to this club,” Lopez said. “It was my dream. I've worked hard to be here, and this year we're all here, giving 200 percent, as I told you, to be able to bring lots of joy to the Culés.”
Lopez and Barca will return to the pitch against Valencia on Sunday, Sept. 14.
For more information on La Liga and each of its 20 first division clubs, follow @EricJRutter and @sportingnews on X for continued football coverage.