Barcelona Braced For Late Saudi Interest In €60 Million Star

Barcelona star Fermin Lopez is the subject of late transfer interest from Saudi Arabia as clubs weigh up a €60m move before their window closes.

The midfielder’s future remains uncertain despite his commitment to the Catalan giants, with Saudi Pro League sides considering an ambitious approach this month.

Saudi clubs circle Barcelona talent

Lopez, 22, has been linked with a host of European clubs over the summer, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but he stayed at Camp Nou when the window shut. However, Saudi sides still have until 23 September to register new arrivals, leaving open the possibility of a dramatic exit.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona would demand around €60m (£52m) for the Spanish international, whose stock has risen rapidly since breaking into the first team. Head coach Hansi Flick is believed to be eager to keep him, but the club’s financial position may ultimately dictate the outcome.

Powerhouses Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are all expected to be active before the Saudi deadline, though it is not yet clear if any of them will test Barcelona’s resolve with a formal offer.

Lopez’s rise and current status

Lopez has already made 90 senior appearances for Barcelona, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists. Last season he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, netting eight times and creating 10 goals in 46 outings across all competitions.

Opportunities have been limited this term, with the midfielder featuring for just 73 minutes in La Liga. His lack of game time has inevitably fuelled speculation that a move abroad could be on the cards, despite his insistence that he wants to succeed at his boyhood club.

“In the end, my priority has always been to be at Barca. I arrived at 12 years old, it was my dream to be here, to reach the first team. It’s always flattering that there is interest from other clubs, but the truth is I always had the idea of staying at Barca and succeeding here,” Lopez told Mundo Deportivo earlier this month.

Site opinion

This is a crucial moment for Barcelona. Losing Lopez would represent a significant blow on the pitch, but €60m is difficult to ignore given their ongoing financial constraints. Saudi clubs have already shown they are willing to pay premium prices to attract European talent, and Lopez fits the profile of a young, marketable player who could become the face of a new project. For now, the player’s heart appears set on Barcelona, but money talks—and in Saudi Arabia, the conversation is only just beginning.