From Rejection to Revelation: The Fermin Lopez Story
It seems a crazy thing to say now, but not so long ago, Fermin Lopez had no clear future at Barcelona. Back in August 2022, the 19-year-old was considered insufficient for the Catalan club’s reserve side. Deemed surplus to requirements, he was loaned to third-tier Linares Deportivo.
Linares, nestled in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, in the province of Jaen – famed for its olive production – unexpectedly played a pivotal role in his resurgence. This is where the ‘Barca Game‘ began to change for Fermin.
Xavi’s Unexpected Discovery
At the time, Xavi Hernandez was Barcelona’s manager. Fermin had occasionally trained with the first team, but wasn’t highly regarded. Having joined La Masia as a 13-year-old in 2016, his progress had been steady but unremarkable. However, a chance encounter sparked a turning point.
Xavi received a gift of olive oil from a friend in Linares. During a conversation that autumn, his friend enthusiastically praised the young talent on loan from Barca. Intrigued, Xavi began to closely monitor Fermin’s performances. The youngster flourished at Linares, making 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and providing four assists, leading the team to a sixth-place finish.
A Second Chance and a Defining Goal
Barcelona, meanwhile, celebrated their first La Liga title in four years. Before the 2023-24 season, Xavi called Fermin up for first-team training. The 20-year-old impressed, securing a spot on the pre-season tour of the United States despite having only a year left on his contract and attracting interest from second-division teams.
A defining moment arrived during a pre-season match against Real Madrid. Coming off the bench, Fermin scored a stunning goal to put Barca ahead 2-0, then assisted Ferran Torres for a third. His father’s insistence on developing his weaker left foot proved crucial, compensating for his smaller stature and adding a unique dimension to his game. This was a clear indication of the potential within the ‘Barca Game‘.
Breaking into the First Team and International Recognition
Fermin made his senior competitive debut on August 27th, in a 4-3 La Liga win at Villarreal. Two days later, he signed a new contract with a €400 million release clause. By the end of the season, he had established himself in the squad, making 43 appearances, scoring 11 goals, and providing one assist.
In June 2024, he earned his first senior international cap, and later that summer, starred for the Spain team that won Olympic Gold in Paris. Even with Hansi Flick taking charge, Fermin’s role remained consistent, primarily as an impact player. He significantly increased his assist tally to 10 in 46 matches, adding eight goals.
The 2024-25 Season: A Definitive Glow-Up
This season has marked a turning point for Fermin. He exudes confidence and boasts impressive statistics, with 10 goals and 12 assists in 29 appearances. He’s started all seven Champions League games he was fit for and more La Liga games (10) than he’s been substituted in (7). Injuries to teammates like Olmo, Raphinha, and Pedri have opened opportunities, but Fermin has seized them.
Flick has experimented with Fermin’s positioning, often deploying him as an attacking midfielder or a false left-winger. While Dani Olmo was initially favored, Flick increasingly recognizes the unique qualities Fermin brings: mobility, aggression, and versatility. The combination of Fermin and Olmo has proven particularly effective, creating a dynamic attacking force. Against Real Sociedad, their partnership resulted in one of Barcelona’s best performances of the season, despite a 2-1 loss.
Statistics Speak Volumes
Fermin now boasts the most impressive goal contribution stats in the entire squad, averaging a goal or assist every 82 minutes – surpassing Lamine Yamal’s 99.6 minutes. This form has fueled calls for him to become a regular starter. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of opportunity within the ‘Barca Game‘.
Chelsea even made a €40 million offer for Fermin in August, but ultimately decided against pursuing the move – a decision that now looks like a missed opportunity. On January 21st, Fermin scored twice in a 4-2 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, leading to a contract renewal until 2031, doubling his salary.
Flick praised Fermin, stating, “Lately, we’ve been talking about Fermin all the time… It’s a good thing he didn’t leave, right? He lives for Barca.”
Source: The Athletic
