Barcelona to retain Lopez, despite Chelsea's apparent interest
Barcelona Faces Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga: Fermin Lopez Remains a Key Player
Barcelona will look to extend their impressive away form in LaLiga when they travel to face Rayo Vallecano this weekend. The Catalan giants have won nine consecutive away games in the league, their best run since March 2021 under Ronald Koeman.
Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to the season, managing three points from their first two games and also securing a 5-0 aggregate victory over FC Neman Grodno in the Conference League play-off tie.
Barcelona's recent home form has been less impressive, with the team winning just one of their last eight LaLiga games at the Camp Nou (drawn five, lost two). However, they have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, with only three additions: goalkeeper Joan Garcia, youngster Roony Bardghji, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.
One player who could be key for Barcelona is Fermin Lopez, a 22-year-old midfielder who has made 90 appearances with 19 goals and 11 assists in two seasons at the club. Chelsea reportedly submitted a €40 million bid for Lopez during the summer 2025 transfer window, but Barcelona and Lopez decided he would stay, as his priority has always been to succeed at Barcelona, his dream club since joining at age 12.
Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, believes Fermin Lopez will remain a player at Barcelona beyond the end of the transfer window. Flick has praised Lopez's ability to make good final passes and believes he has a goal in him. Barcelona values Lopez at €90m (£78m).
Rayo Vallecano will be without Alvaro Garcia, who has scored three goals against Barcelona in LaLiga, his joint-most against a single opponent in the competition (also three against Mallorca). Garcia is one player to watch in the Rayo team.
The visitors have not lost any of their five away league games against teams from the Madrid area under Hansi Flick, winning four and drawing one. However, Barcelona has only won one of their last four away games against Rayo in LaLiga (drawn one, lost two), having won each of the previous six.
According to Opta, Barcelona has a 63.8% chance of winning the match, while Rayo Vallecano has a 16.4% chance, and the probability of a draw is 19.8%. With Fermin Lopez considered a very important player for Barcelona, both with and without the ball, the Catalan club will be hoping to continue their impressive away form and secure all three points against Rayo Vallecano.
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