Man United Had £58m January Bid Rejected for Barcelona Star – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United’s £58m Bid for Fermin Lopez Rejected as Barcelona Star Commits to Camp Nou

Manchester United’s January transfer ambitions faced a significant setback as their £58.3 million bid for Barcelona’s emerging star, Fermin Lopez, was firmly rejected. According to reports from Catalan outlet Sport, Aston Villa also submitted an identical offer, only to receive the same decisive response from the young midfielder.

Fermin Lopez’s Loyalty to Barcelona

Fermin Lopez, a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, has made it clear that his immediate future lies with the Blaugrana. Despite the allure of a Premier League move and the promise of doubled wages from both Manchester United and Aston Villa, the 21-year-old remains committed to his development at Camp Nou.

“I have no intention of moving at this stage of my career,” Lopez reportedly told both clubs. “My focus is on becoming a big success at Barca.”

Photo: IMAGO

This loyalty is not only commendable but also strategically sound, as Barcelona have positioned themselves to retain the talented midfielder with a contract that runs until the summer of 2029. With ambitions to help Barca reclaim their dominance in both Spanish and European football, Lopez seems set to become a key figure in the club’s long-term plans.

Manchester United’s Transfer Window Activity

Manchester United’s approach for Lopez was part of a broader, albeit restrained, strategy in the January transfer window. The club spent €35 million (£29.2m) on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, their sole acquisition of the window. Meanwhile, they offloaded Marcus Rashford and Antony in an attempt to balance their wage bill.

Rashford’s departure to Aston Villa, on loan with a £40m option to buy, raised eyebrows. Villa also bolstered their squad with notable additions such as Donyell Malen, Andres Garcia, Marco Asensio, and Axel Disasi, making them one of the busier Premier League sides this winter.

United’s failed pursuit of Lopez highlights their ongoing struggle to attract top-tier talent amid financial constraints. Reports suggest the club is conserving resources for a major summer acquisition, with strikers like Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen on their radar.

Fermin Lopez: A Long-Term Target

This isn’t Manchester United’s first attempt to secure Lopez’s signature. The club reportedly initiated talks with Barcelona in June 2024 but failed to reach an agreement. Tottenham Hotspur also faced rejection when they approached the Spanish international in September.

Given United’s financial situation, some scepticism surrounds the reported bid. As Sport indicates, the club might be prioritising funds for a marquee striker in the summer rather than splurging on midfield talent during the winter.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

While the Lopez deal fell through, Manchester United are actively exploring other transfer options. Italian reports suggest a potential swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee and Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. Juve’s manager, Thiago Motta, is keen on reuniting with Zirkzee, his former Bologna striker.

Additionally, United have added Dominic Calvert-Lewin to their shortlist as they seek affordable striking options. The Everton forward is set to leave on a free transfer this summer, making him an attractive proposition for a club looking to strengthen without overspending.