Chelsea blow as key midfield target signs new contract

Cameron Smith

30 Jan 2026 10:32 CST
3 min read

Barcelona have officially announced that Fermin Lopez has signed a contract extension, dealing a hammer blow to Chelsea in the process.

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The 22-year-old was the target of a late-window bid from the Blues last summer. As Fermin was not an undisputed starter for Barcelona last season, Chelsea felt that they may be able to strike a deal.

However, the €40 million offer they made was deemed insulting and was rejected out of hand by the Catalans. Moreover, Fermin had no intention of departing the club.

Since then, the midfielder has gone from strength to strength. Fermin has notched 10 goals and 11 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions so far this term, starting the majority of the games he has been available for.

Due to the interest from Chelsea and his inspired performances this season, Barcelona have decided to hand the young Spain international an improved contract to tie him to the club long-term.

Fermin extends until 2031

Barcelona have now officially announced that an agreement on a deal until 2031 has been reached. Fermin will officially put pen to paper at the office of president Joan Laporta "in the coming days."

"FC Barcelona and Fermin Lopez are set to remain together for many more years," an official statement read. "The Andalusian midfielder renews his commitment to the Club after living the dream of every child in La Masia, achieved by working hard, persevering and bringing talent."

This two-year extension means that a transfer is out of the question for the foreseeable future, dealing a significant blow to Chelsea and the midfielder's other suitors.

"His performances have seen him become a key figure in the Barca first team plans, and this extension shows the mutual confidence on both sides," the statement added. "Fermin Lopez will continue to grow as a blaugrana, and Barca will continue to grow with him."

Fermin can now fully focus on making Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup after primarily being a substitute at Euro 2024.

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