Midfielder target with more G/A than Bruno Fernandes gives United clearest hint yet about where he’ll play next season – report

What a revelation Bruno Fernandes has been this season. The Portuguese magnifico has stepped up magnificently, delivering quality performances and carrying Manchester United with his assists and goals. Indeed, with eight goals and 17 assists, Fernandes is arguably the most in-form playmaker in Europe. While it is difficult to think of a midfielder better than him, one name does stand out: Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who has also been on fire this campaign. Lopez has impressed Lopez has emerged as the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack. He creates chances, scores, and supplies assists. In 39 appearances, the 22‑year‑old has racked up 12 goals and 16 assists, an extraordinary return for a midfielder of his age. Given his impact, it is little wonder that top clubs want to prise him away from Barcelona. United’s interest in Lopez has already been reported United should be going for a player of his calibre. Fortunately, a report recently relayed by The Peoples Person revealed that INEOS are exploring ways to lure the La Masia graduate from Camp Nou. According to that report, United are prepared to splash €100 million (£86.5m) on the playmaker in the hope that such an ambitious bid convinces Barca to strike a deal. However, just as anticipation was building over a possible headline switch from Spain to Manchester, Lopez himself has made his stance clear. Speaking to Tot Costa on Catalunya Radio, the playmaker said: “Barca renewed my contract, and I’m very grateful. As far as I’m concerned, I’d stay here forever.” Therefore, Lopez’s own words have effectively extinguished any lingering hope of United signing him. Chelsea snubbed, United not expected to be favoured Chelsea experienced a similar snub last summer, and it seems United would suffer the same fate if they pressed on with this pursuit. Lopez could have been the perfect heir to Fernandes at Old Trafford, and his eye‑catching 2025–26 season hinted at just that. Unfortunately for United, he appears determined to remain in Catalonia. Nevertheless, while Lopez seems out of reach, teammates Ferran Torres and Alejandro Balde continue to be linked with moves to United. Perhaps they are the players worth watching more closely. Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.