Fermin Lopez insists he’s committed to Barcelona after scoring twice in their 6-0 win over Valencia. He dismissed transfer rumors, affirming his desire to stay and fight for his place. Barcelona displayed dominance, moving to 10 points in La Liga.
Fermin Lopez has emphatically stated his unwavering commitment to Barcelona, dismissing any notions of a potential departure after his stellar performance against Valencia. The young midfielder bagged a brace in Barcelona's resounding 6-0 victory over Los Che, a match played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff due to ongoing renovations at the Camp Nou. Lopez's two goals were part of a dominant display by Hansi Flick's side, showcasing the team's attacking prowess and solidifying Lopez's place in the squad.
The 22-year-old was previously linked with a substantial €90 million move to Chelsea during the recent transfer window. However, Lopez has now quelled these rumors, affirming his desire to remain a key figure at Barcelona for years to come. His first goal came in the 29th minute, a well-placed side-footed finish from a precise Ferran Torres assist. The second, a powerful strike from outside the box, found the bottom corner 11 minutes into the second half, further highlighting his versatility and goal-scoring ability.
Adding to the Catalan side's impressive goal tally, substitutes Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski also netted two goals each. This remarkable feat marked the first time this century that Barcelona had two players score multiple goals off the bench in a La Liga match. This depth in attacking options demonstrates the strength of the current Barcelona squad and their potential to compete at the highest level.
Speaking after the match, Lopez addressed the transfer speculation directly, emphasizing his long-term vision with Barcelona. "It’s true that I’ve been calm. Not everything that has been said is true, I do not really want to go into this," Lopez stated, dismissing the rumors surrounding his potential move away from the club. "My intention has always been to be here for many years. I never doubted it. There was always speculation, I have always wanted to be here, and I will fight to be here for many years."
Barcelona's dominance was evident throughout the match, as they accumulated 10 points from their first four games of the season, trailing league leaders Real Madrid by just two points. The team unleashed a barrage of 24 shots, with 10 hitting the target, resulting in an expected goals (xG) value of 3.35. In contrast, Valencia struggled to create meaningful opportunities, managing only two shots, with one on target, and an xG of 0.18. This significant difference in attacking output underscores Barcelona's control and efficiency in front of goal.
Lopez reflected on the game, stating, "It was a difficult game at the beginning, but the whole team was at the right level and the scoreline reflects that. We took advantage of our opportunities. It’s true that we feel very good, like we did last year. This stadium gives me good luck! The first goal was a great team move, a great assist from Ferran, and I was able to finish. For the second, I received between the lines, I tried to shoot from outside the box, and it came off." His comments highlight the team's unity and the positive atmosphere within the squad.
Barcelona now prepare for their Champions League opener against Newcastle United on Thursday, followed by a home game against Getafe next Sunday. Despite being without star winger Lamine Yamal on Sunday, the team showed their depth and resilience, setting a positive tone for the upcoming challenges. The victory over Valencia serves as a strong statement of intent, signaling Barcelona's ambition to compete for major honors this season. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Fermin Lopez provides a solid foundation for success, and the team's performance under Hansi Flick suggests a promising future for the club.
With Lopez reaffirming his commitment and the team displaying such attacking prowess, Barcelona fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead. The focus and determination within the squad are clear, and the team is poised to make a significant impact both domestically and in Europe. The young players that are stepping up this season are just amazing to watch. The future for the club is bright with the likes of Lopez and Yamal in the squad to push Barcelona forward.