Manchester United has had a busy transfer window, but one of their top goals in recent weeks has confirmed that they will not move to Old Trafford
Barcelona Midfender Fermin Lopez has confirmed that he wants to stay in Catalunya and to end the hope of Manchester United to sign him. The Spaniard has been associated with a daring move to Old Trafford in the transfer window.
United Baas Ruben Amorim has tried to add more options to his midfield, after he mainly focused on strengthening his attack. Recent reports claimed that the Red Devils set out a £ 61 million step for Lopez, who won a gold medal with Spain at the Olympic Games in Paris.
United has completed the signing sessions of Matheus Cunha for £ 62.5 million from Wolves, the young defender Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £ 71 million and, most recently, Benjamin Sesko for £ 66.4 million in front plus another £ 7.6 million in potential.
However, they are looking for more creativity and energy in midfield, which was a huge weakness for United last season. Unfortunately for them, Lopez will not be the new spark that the Red Devils are looking for.
He scored an impressive brace when Barcelona comfortably beat Como 5-0 in a pre-season-friendly. In conversation with reporters after the game, he confirmed that his future will still be with the Catalans.
Lopez said: “It was a great game of the whole team that will be good for us. The work is non-negotiable, the pressure is also high, like last year, when we did very well. Let's continue like this.”
He added: “I want to stay here. It's my dream and I will stay, I am happy to help the team. Many things have been said.
“But I'm going to continue to defend these colors and work as hard as someone else, so that the Catalans are calm.”
Despite Lopez's comments, the Red Devils seem to give priority to a movement for Brighton -midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is a different profile of the midfielder. The Seagulls Ace was recently associated with a huge move to Old Trafford, after he impressed his stylish performances under Fabian Hurzeler.
The Cameroonian, who was signed from Lille shortly after Chelsea Moises had bought Caicedo for a then Premier League record £ 115 million, is understood by Brighton about £ 100 million. The valuation of United is considerably less than the Seagulls' because they believe that a reimbursement of around £ 70 million would be reasonable.
With three years left at his deal at the Amex Stadium, Brighton is able to order the compensation they want for the midfield motor. Because Casemiro comes at the end of his career and Manuel Ugarte is struggling for consistency since his move from Paris Saint-Germain last year, United is staring at a midfielder to some.
The new team of the Red Devils will be confronted with an immediate sour test, while they are confronted with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in their first five games of the campaign.