Barcelona confirm contract extension for emerging midfield star

Barcelona have confirmed that Fermin Lopez has put pen to paper on a contract extension until June 2027.

The 20-year-old spent last season out on loan at Linares Deportivo, putting in a number of impressive performances en route to scoring 12 goals for the Primera Federacion club. Since his return to Barca, Lopez has continued to impress and was a standout performer during the club's pre-season tour of the United States, scoring a stunning goal in a 3-0 win over Real Madrid.

Having made his La Liga debut for Barca in a 4-3 win over Villarreal at the weekend, Lopez has now put pen to paper on a contract extension at the club.

A statement on Barcelona's website announcing the contract extension said: "The player Fermin López has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona to extend his contract until 30 June 2027.

"The Andalusian midfielder signed his contract on Tuesday in the presence of the board member responsible for youth football, Joan Soler, the Club's sporting director,Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco' and the director of youth football, Jose Ramon Alexanco at the offices at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The buy out clause is set at 400 million euros. 

Lopez is one of a number of La Masia graduates to break into the Barcelona first team in recent seasons, with Pedri, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal the most notable quartet. Despite being just 16 years old, Yamal started the win over Villarreal at the weekend, bagging an assist and causing havoc on the right flank.

The entertaining win at Villarreal ensured Barcelona kept in touch with pacesetters, and bitter rivals, Real Madrid after they maintained their 100 per cent winning record with a 1-0 success over Celta Vigo on Friday - Jude Bellingham the scorer for a record-equalling fourth time.

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