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Liverpool Target Fermín López as Barcelona Face Tough Financial Decisions

Midfield reshuffle brewing at Anfield

Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Barcelona midfielder Fermín López ahead of what could be a transformative summer at Anfield. While nothing is imminent, López has emerged as a serious name on the club’s radar — not as a marquee signing, but as a versatile piece in the evolving midfield picture under Arne Slot.

The 21-year-old, currently valued at €50m by TransferMarkt, has impressed in 2025 with three goals and four assists in LaLiga. His form hasn’t gone unnoticed — particularly with questions lingering over Harvey Elliott’s future. Elliott has struggled for minutes this season, and should he push for a move, López is being considered as a potential replacement.

Financial pressure at Barcelona could force their hand

López is under contract at Camp Nou until 2029 and has shown no desire to leave. In fact, those close to him say he’s happy and thriving. But Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles may change the picture. If sales are necessary, the Catalan giants may be forced to prioritise keeping more senior figures like Dani Olmo, leaving López vulnerable.

That’s where Liverpool’s interest becomes real. He’s not viewed as an alternative to Dominik Szoboszlai directly, but more as another dynamic option who could fit into the high-energy, pressing system being rebuilt under Slot.

Strategic option, not headline grabber

This isn’t a glamour chase. Liverpool know López isn’t pushing for a move. But in a summer expected to include smart, targeted moves rather than a splashy overhaul, the Spaniard could tick a lot of boxes — technically gifted, tactically flexible and tactically disciplined.

Should Barça’s hand be forced, Liverpool are likely to be one of the first in line.

Strong attacking output in limited minutes

Fermín López’s performance data, courtesy of Fbref, paints the picture of a player punching above his weight. Over the last 365 days, in just 1,547 minutes, he ranks in the 95th percentile for both non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals (npxG). That’s elite territory for an attacking midfielder — especially one still adjusting to senior football. His expected assisted goals (xAG) and total xG+xAG also score highly, in the 90th and 92nd percentiles respectively.

This is not a player drifting into dangerous positions by chance — his numbers suggest a consistent threat in and around the box. With three LaLiga goals and four assists to show for it in 2025, he’s matching output with underlying data.

Midfield dynamism with defensive steel

What makes López intriguing for a club like Liverpool isn’t just the goals. His defensive numbers surprise: he’s in the 81st percentile for blocks and 69th for clearances, suggesting a willingness to do the dirty work. That balance of pressing intensity and technical skill is rare — and valuable in a league like the Premier League.

His possession stats are less flashy. Shot-creating actions sit in the 15th percentile, and successful take-ons just 18th. But his passing game tells a deeper story — he’s in the 91st percentile for pass completion and 72nd for progressive passes received, underlining a player who links play with composure and intelligence.

Player profile suited to Liverpool’s tactical evolution

This mix — direct attacking impact, defensive involvement, and crisp distribution — mirrors what Jürgen Klopp’s midfield often lacked in the past season. Whether under Slot this vision changes remains to be seen, but López’s profile fits a flexible 8/10 role Liverpool have looked to refine.

It’s no surprise his name is on the radar.