Fermin Lopez was on Manchester United’s radar this summer

Manchester United were one of Europe’s busiest clubs in the summer transfer window. A central midfielder was on Erik ten Hag’s agenda with the Dutchman eventually having his wish granted as Manuel Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the last week of August.

The Red Devils did not have it easy in their pursuit of the Uruguayan international and at one point, they considered multiple alternatives as Paris Saint-Germain’s demands seemed too lofty. It has emerged that on that note, Fermin Lopez was on their radar, as per Matteo Moretto on The Daily Briefing.

Tottenham Hotspur also lodged an enquiry into signing the Barcelona prodigy but a move to the Premier League never reached an advanced stage with the player compromising a key part of the Blaugrana’s plans, while the Catalan giants also showed no interest in getting rid of him.

Lopez, a Euro 2024 and Olympics winner over the summer, is valued at £25 million on Transfermarkt but a move to England could have come at a far norther amount than that given how highly he is valued around the world. Man United have missed out on a superb signing by not bringing him in.

(🌕) Manchester United and Spurs had enquired about Fermin in the summer, but nothing ever materialized because neither the player nor Barcelona considered an exit. @MatteMoretto #Transfers 🇪🇸📞

— Reshad Rahman (@ReshadFCB) September 15, 2024

The 21-year-old is a versatile player who can play on either flank, as an attacking midfielder but excels particularly in a central midfield role with an eye of getting into the box. As such, Lopez was a dream profile for Ten Hag to partner with Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes and the wingers.

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the same time, it is understandable why the Spaniard rejected Manchester United given that they are facing inconsistencies and other deeper issues across various departments of the club, whereas Barcelona are finally seeing the back of their financial woes and are building a budding sporting project under Hansi Flick.

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In fact, Fermin Lopez is in talks with Barcelona to extend his contract and therefore, a swoop to England could entirely be out of the picture even if United had plans of reigniting interest in him some time soon.