Latest developments
- Man Utd are looking towards new signings for Ruben Amorim.
- Red Devils are interested in Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.
- Transfer fee of €100 million suggested by Spanish media.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Fichajes' sensationalisation to be considered
As they work to strengthen the squad for Amorim, Manchester United are actively investigating the prospect of acquiring Barcelona’s highly-rated 21-year-old midfielder, Fermin. Spain's Olympic Football Player of the Tournament is reportedly viewed by United's management as a promising replacement for Bruno Fernandes and a crucial component of the team's future, offering a useful balance between immediate promise and long-term growth.
Fichajes have reported that Manchester United are considering making an offer worth €100 million (£83.3m) for Fermin in the summer of 2025. However, the Spanish publication cannot be considered very accurate as Fichajes are known for their sensationalistic reports.
Value (2.5/5): United have other positions to fill in
Even for a club like Manchester United, €100 million is not a small amount by any distance. The Red Devils are looking to build a dynasty under Amorim after they failed to do so with Erik ten Hag, and the squad has a lot of gaps to fill, so spending that kind of fee on a single player makes little sense.
Barcelona are unlikely to sell the midfielder as they see him as a promising talent who could become one of the best in the future, evident from them signing a new contract with Fermin until 2029, which also contains a release clause of €500 million.
Suitability (5/5): Fermin the perfect Fernandes replacement
Amorim is known to appreciate hardworking players in his team, and Fermin is as hardworking as any player currently in world football. As such, he would become the 39-year-old's go-to man if he were to make the move.
Additionally, the Spaniard is known for his movement into the box behind the striker and the trait would be a highly required one for Amorim's tactics at United.
Upgrade? (3/5): Straight competition for Fernandes
Fernandes has enjoyed a lot of personal success at Old Trafford since his move to United in 2020 from Sporting, and Fermin has a very similar skill set compared to the Portuguese. If their captain were to leave the club, Fermin would easily become the main connection between attack and midfield for Manchester United.
However, Fernandes is unlikely to leave the club anytime soon. While Fermin would be a very good competition for the Portuguese midfielder, he is not yet at the level where he can displace Fernandes as the main attacking midfielder.
Logic (2.5/5): Massive personal risk for Fermin
While he is not the main man at Barcelona, Fermin has been a key part of the Barcelona squad under Hansi Flick. The 21-year-old has played in a number of positions this season for the Catalan club and has become one of the most valuable options for Barcelona.
As such, making the move to a shaky Man Utd side does not make a lot of personal sense for the 21-year-old, who has been at Barcelona for the last eight years, rising up through the youth ranks.
Whisper+ final verdict – 15.5/25
While Fermin would be the perfect signing for Amorim at Manchester United, the reported fee of €100 million is a bit too much for the Red Devils to realistically consider as they look to improve their squad with multiple players.
The 20-time Premier League winners would be better off spending the amount on other positions to replace underperforming players, with defence being a major spot of bother for the club. However, if Fernandes leaves the club in the near future, a move for Fermin would be an absolute no-brainer.
