Fermin Lopez returns to training with Barcelona

FC Barcelona's midfield has the hallmark of the Spanish national team... and some might say that it is overcrowded. It is true that Dani Olmo can play in practically any position in attack, but at the European Championship he made a big impact precisely in that area, occupying the position vacated by his now team-mate Pedri due to injury. This is exactly what made Fermin Lopez, the great novelty in the training session on Tuesday, play just half an hour in Germany.

After a summer without a break, the player from Huelva has been able to train under the orders of Hans-Dieter Flick. Fermin left on 1st June to join Luis de la Fuente's pre-Euro training camp, which ended on 14th July with the final in which ‘La Roja’ were crowned against England. After that, the player gave up his holidays to take the orders of Santi Denia, who had already been working with the Olympic team since the 1st of that same month.

Just ten days after the final of the European Championship, Fermin was a starter in the debut of the U23 team in Paris against Uzbekistan. Although his debut was dull, like that of the whole team despite the win, his tournament was stratospheric. He scored and assisted in the group phase against the Dominican Republic (1-3), scored a brace against Japan (0-3), scored again and provided another assist in the semi-final against Morocco (1-2) and finally, another two goals in the madness of the final against France (3-5).

This is how a player who, a priori, is finding the road to success even more difficult than before, has been vindicated. At the same time that the 'Cules' board was obsessed with the failed Nico Williams deal, Deco also sealed the transfer of Dani Olmo for 60 million euros. The RB Leipzig striker could go some way to covering up for the Huelva native, unless Flick opts to place him in one of the forward positions. Meanwhile, Pedri's inconsistent form may give Fermin hope that he is not just a bench replacement.

Ilkay Gundogan's departure is also to consider. Olmo will not be able to be registered until the German, who is about to return to Manchester City on a free transfer to open up wage space, leaves. If, on the one hand, the striker makes his debut, Fermin will have to occupy part of the minutes freed up by the imminent Sky Blue midfielder, who last season was the most used by Xavi Hernandez.

 

August 20, 2024