Fermin Lopez is adamant that he wants to stay at Barcelona and is “not interested” in joining Manchester United.
The 21-year-old had a fantastic breakthrough season, scoring eight goals in La Liga, despite just receiving his first-team debut for Barcelona in August of last year.
After securing a spot on Spain’s Euro 2024 roster, the midfielder made just his second appearance for the national team on Monday, coming on as a second-half replacement in the 1-0 victory over Albania.
Manchester United, which made an offer of €30 million (£25 million) to Barcelona earlier this month, seems to have taken notice of Fermin’s exploits.
Barcelona, which gave Lopez a new contract in August, is eager to extend it once more after rejecting United’s request.
When asked directly about United’s offer, Fermin told Relevo: ‘I don’t read the press, I’m not really interested.
“My desire to be at Barcelona is the most important thing, and that’s all I can think about.” Nothing more.
When asked whether he had a conversation with Hansi Flick, Barce’s new head coach, Fermin replied, “He wished us all luck in the first game, but that’s about it.”
‘A couple of messages and that’s it. I guess he’ll watch the Euros and keep an eye on me.’
Speaking last month before his exit, Xavi urged Barcelona to keep hold of Fermin.
‘We were told that his loan [at Linares] had been very good,’ Xavi said.
‘I had liked him for a couple of years. When we tried him in pre-season, I saw that he was ready to compete. He’s a player for many years.’