Xavi reveals plan for Barcelona WONDERKID Fermin Lopez
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 30 Jul 2023 13:47 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that La Masia wonderkid Fermin Lopez will stay with the first-team next season after netting a sensational goal against Real Madrid in pre-season.
The Blaugrana emerged as 3-0 victors against their El Clasico rivals in a pre-season friendly in Texas, with Ousmane Dembele, Lopez and Ferran Torres on the scoresheet.
Summer signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu both impressed against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but it was the performance of youngster Lopez that caught the eye most.
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The 20-year-old netted a brilliant left-footed strike past the out-stretched hand of Thibaut Courtois and into the top left corner to put Barcelona 2-0 up in the 85th minute.
He also provided the assist for Torres’ goal in stoppage time via a perfectly-weighted chipped ball over David Alaba and into the path of the former Manchester City star.
Lopez enjoyed a productive loan spell at Spanish third tier side Linares last season, with the Barcelona academy graduate scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 37 league games.
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He is yet to make his competitive debut for Barcelona, but Xavi has confirmed that Lopez will be included in the first-team set-up this season.
What has Xavi said?
Speaking after Lopez’s goal against Real Madrid, Xavi told reporters: “Fermin Lopez will not leave [Barca] on loan. He will stay with the first team this season.
“We don't have any exceptions for players. He trained very well. We think he can help us throughout the season.”
Lopez typically plays as an attacking midfielder, but he can also operate as a winger - versatility that may appeal to Xavi given how he utilised Gavi last season. Lopez’s fellow La Masia graduate featured heavily on the left wing last year, before drifting inside in possession to form a box midfield.
Lopez’s current contract at Camp Nou is set to expire in 2024, meaning an extension offer will likely be on the cards very shortly.
