WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Ben Jacobs, the Bundesliga champions made contact to gauge the 22-year-old's willingness to move. However, Lopez's wish is to continue playing for Barca. The home-grown player is under contract there until 2029 after extending his contract early last autumn. His fixed transfer fee is €500 million.

At the beginning of June, he said on RAC1 about his future: "I have no intention of leaving. I am very happy at Barca. Playing here was my dream, and I want to stay."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bayern are currently being linked with a whole host of players for their attack. The pursuit of their preferred candidate,e Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, ended in disappointment, and Leroy Sane decided against extending his expiring contract in Munich, instead joining Galatasaray. Thomas Muller is also leaving on a free transfer after the Club World Cup in the USA. The latest possible signings to be discussed are Nico Williams from Athletic Club and AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

While things have quietened down around Leao, there are growing signs that Williams would prefer to move to Barcelona. According to reports, there have been talks between the winger and representatives of the Blaugrana again in the past 24 hours. Club boss Joan Laporta is now looking into how the transfer can be made to happen for the financially stricken Catalans. Ben Jacobs writes that Williams is even willing to lower his high salary demand to secure a move to Barca.

 

A LOOK AT THE FIGURES:

If Barcelona manage to sign Williams, this would mean even more competition for Fermin Lopez. The attacking midfielder can also play on the left wing. Last season, he played in 46 matches under head coach Hansi Flick, but only six times for the full 90 minutes. He scored eight goals and provided 10 assists.

WHAT NEXT?

A summer move to Bayern seems unlikely for Fermin this summer, meaning the German giants may have to look elsewhere to strengthen Vincent Kompany's team ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.