Fermin Lopez talks Xavi, Deco, Flick, Barcelona – ‘My best version is yet to come’ | OneFootball

While Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi stole the headlines as the breakthrough youngsters at FC Barcelona last season, Fermin Lopez also quietly established himself as a first-team star under Xavi Hernandez.

Having spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Deportivo Linares, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder made a huge impression in pre-season and there was no looking back for him as he soon became a regular in the side.

While his game-time might have taken a minor hit this season due to injuries and competition, Fermin continues to shine brightly, with the attacking midfielder already scoring four goals in 2025, including two in his last two games.

Speaking in an interview with SPORT, Fermin touched upon his recent form in front of goal, saying:

“It is true that I have always had the ability to get into the box and finish well. In the first half of the season, things were not going my way, but now I have more confidence, the coach is giving me more opportunities, and I am trying to help the team.”

Just as he was hitting top form, a red card against Sevilla halted his momentum. The timing was frustrating, but Fermin remains unfazed.

“Yes, yes, of course. I was feeling great. But these things happen. You have to learn from them and keep working. There is no other option.”

Talking about his time in the first-team setup at Barcelona, Fermin spoke about how he has always had to fight for his place and prove himself at each given opportunity.

“That’s what I’ve done all my life. I’ve always kept a low profile and I’ve always had to prove myself. I try to do my job and when the coach gives me minutes, I just try to help the team,” he noted.

Fermin has been among the goals in 2025. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Reflecting on his journey up until this point, he added: “Well… I’ve had a different or more difficult path than others. But those moments and that journey have taught me a lot of things, personally and professionally.

“Thanks to all that, I value much more being in the Barça first team, which was my dream. And I’m never going to stop working to stay here.”

Fermin had the backing of Xavi in his debut season in 2023/24 and now he has won over the trust of Hansi Flick as well as Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco.

“I don’t know what to tell you. I’m a hard worker, I’m always ready for the team and Xavi, Deco and now Hansi are helping me and giving me the confidence to show my football. I am very grateful to them,” he said on earning the trust of the key members of the staff.

During the summer, Barcelona needed to create Financial Fair Play space, and several clubs made offers for him. However, Deco never entertained them, choosing instead to extend his contract. Reflecting on that, Fermin remarked:

“Since I joined the first team, Deco has always trusted me. I wasn’t aware of the offers because I knew I wanted to be here, but it’s comforting that the club didn’t want to listen to them and wanted me here, in the new project.”

Fermin’s rapid rise over the past year and a half has been nothing short of extraordinary and he admits that it is all still a bit surreal for him.

“Not at all, impossible! When I went out on loan I thought it would help me to prove myself and maybe go to another team, or return to Barça Atletic if I was lucky. But going straight back to the first team, unthinkable,” he said.

However, the youngster is certainly not taking his eyes off the ball, as he stated: “I still have a lot to improve. My best version is yet to come.”

Discussing how his time on loan at Linares played a key role in shaping his relentless hunger for success, Fermin said:

“Many times people don’t value it, but that process of going on loan was difficult. Now I value much more coming here, training, being with my teammates, wearing the shirt of the club I’ve always loved… All of that has helped me to work harder every day.”

Fermin has had to fight for his place this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On whether he is happier now than when he was playing at Linares, he replied: “In Linares I was happy, it was my reality and I accepted it.

It was difficult to adapt, I had been here for six years and to leave and see other things was difficult, but I played there and that was very important.

“I felt comfortable and happy. But it’s clear that at a professional level, Barça is another dimension, it’s my dream and what I’ve fought for for such a long time.”

Touching on how mental strength has been a crucial factor in his journey, Fermin elaborated:

“Without a doubt, having mental health is very important. Especially for the top level. I’ve always had to push myself and all the years when I’ve been struggling and needed help, I’ve received it and now I value being where I am much more.”

The youngster also expressed gratitude towards his parents for the sacrifices they made to help him achieve his dream, saying:

“My parents have given everything for me, so that I could fulfil my dream. So many hours in the car, so much sacrifice… They also deserve to come to see me play for Barça, to see me on TV, in the national team…

“They deserve it as much or more than me. I owe a large part of what I’m living now to my parents.”