'Verbally agree' – Fabrizio Romano confirms reality of £70m star amid Sunderland transfer speculation
Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of a £70million Barcelona star after reports in Spain loosely linked him with a highly unlikely move to Sunderland
Barcelona have moved to shut down any remote transfer speculation surrounding Fermín López after agreeing a new long-term contract with the midfielder, bringing an end to any outside interest that had been loosely linked with Sunderland.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have verbally agreed fresh terms with López on a deal that will run until June 2031, with the agreement expected to be formally signed this week. The contract includes an improved salary and follows the player’s decision to reject the possibility of a move away last summer.
On social media, Romano posted: BREAKING: “Barcelona verbally agree new deal with Fermín López valid until June 2031. Fermín rejected to leave in August and he’s set to sign new deal soon, with salary improved. Could be signed already this week”
The development effectively extinguishes any lingering reports linking Sunderland with the 22-year-old, which had always been regarded as extremely unlikely within football circles. Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed over the weekend that the Black Cats were monitoring López and even floated suggestions of a sensational £69.3million move – a figure that would have more than doubled Sunderland’s current transfer record, set by Habib Diarra’s £30million arrival.
Despite those claims, the finances involved, combined with López’s status at Barcelona, meant the speculation was never viewed as realistic. López is now firmly established as a first-team player at Camp Nou and has been consistently trusted in La Liga and the Champions League. López’s rise has been rapid. After signing his first professional deal with Barcelona Atlètic in August 2022, he spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Linares, where he scored 12 goals in 40 appearances and established himself as one of the standout performers in the Primera Federación.
Strong pre-season performances earned him a place in Barcelona’s senior squad ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, highlighted by a goal and an assist against Real Madrid in a summer friendly. He went on to make his La Liga debut that August and quickly delivered on the big stage, scoring in both domestic and European competition, including a Champions League goal against Shakhtar Donetsk, where he was named man of the match. His importance has only grown since. López was rewarded with further contract extensions, played a role in Barcelona’s domestic treble during the 2024-25 season, and, earlier this campaign, became the first Spanish player since 1986 to score a Champions League hat-trick for the club.
Ex-Sunderland winger Kieron Brady says fans "should take a lot of encouragement" from the club are being linked with Lopez. "If someone is playing even semi-regularly for Barcelona then are they willing to leave that and come to the Premier League and Sunderland?" Brady asked on BBC Radio Newcastle earlier this month.
"If he signs for £70m then it would be justified in thinking he will want a wage that eclipses one any other Sunderland player is on at present. But even if he doesn't end up coming, there should be a lot of encouragement for Sunderland fans that it is the way the club is progressing.
"If they are thinking of players of that calibre and standing, then you would like to think it is reflected in the other avenues they are pursuing in terms of signings. Whether it comes into fruition, who knows? But is a big name for this moment."
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