Barcelona to reward Spain Olympics hero with new contract – higher wages and €1bn release clause

The past year or so has been one to remember for Barcelona attacking midfield sensation Fermin Lopez.

The 21-year-old was plying his trade for lower league side Deportivo Linares on loan a little over 13 months ago. However, a leap of faith from Xavi Hernandez during pre-season last year changed everything for the youngster.

Fermin became a first-team player at Barcelona and enjoyed a fine season, finishing with 11 goals and an assist for the club.

On the back of his displays for the Blaugrana, the La Masia gem broke into the Spanish national team and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Euro 2024.

As if that was not enough, Fermin then went on to win the gold medal at the Olympics in Men’s Football with Spain, emerging as the team’s MVP with six goals – including a brace in the finals.

New contract incoming

Considering the meteoric rise that Fermin has gone through over the past year, Barcelona intend to reward the young midfield sensation a new and improved contract, reports SPORT.

The 21-year-old La Masia prodigy had signed a new deal with Barça only last year. It runs until the summer of 2027 and has a release clause worth €400 million.

But, the Barça sports management has decided to talk to the player’s agent to improve his contract, as they know that his stock is rising like crazy.

The Catalans are calm about the situation knowing that he is protected by a hefty release clause and that he only thinks about succeeding as an Azulgrana.

However, they are aware that after everything he has done in the last year, Fermin deserves an improvement in his contract as as he has one of the lowest first-team wages and his market value continues to rise.

Longer duration, improved salary and higher release clause

Barcelona already had in mind to reward Fermin after his good season, but following his great performance at the Olympic Games, their resolve has further strengthened.

The idea is to increase his salary and also the duration of his contract while also potentially bumping up his release clause to €1 billion, to put him in the same bracket as players like Gavi, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, among others.

Fermin will now go on a short vacation before joining Hansi Flick & co. as Barcelona get set to start their season next week. It is unlikely that he will be available for the opener against Valencia.