Bruno’s ideal successor? Man Utd enquire about £92m Barcelona ‘treasure’

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, as well as Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios.

The Red Devils revamped their midfield in the summer after parting ways with Casemiro. They brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

INEOS are expected to address their defensive issues in 2027, but other departments will require their attention, especially if one or more key players were to leave.

Man Utd interested in replacing Bruno Fernandes with Fermin Lopez

In recent weeks, there has been a growing number of reports linking Bruno Fernandes with the exit door. The captain’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but it includes a club option to extend it until June 2028.

The Portuguese has looked increasingly frustrated this season amidst the club’s ongoing crisis on and off the pitch.

After last weekend’s Champions League defeat in Como, Fernandes publicly criticised Michael Carrick’s tactics, drawing a response from the manager, who left him on the bench during Sunday’s 0-3 loss to Bournemouth.

While the two men have reportedly patched things up, they could both leave Carrington by the end of the current campaign. Hence, United might already be on the lookout for a replacement.

During his appearance on Radio Marca, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that the Premier League giants have enquired about Fermin Lopez and Pablo Barrios.

The transfer market expert insisted that the Red Devils have yet to open a dialogue for either player, but they’re simply keeping close tabs while trying to find an opening.

Do Man Utd stand a chance at landing Lopez?

After signing three central midfielders in 2026, United are unlikely to buy Atletico’s Barrios unless one of their midfielders walks out next year.

On the other hand, Lopez represents a much more tempting profile, especially with Bruno’s future hanging in the balance.

The 23-year-old might not be an automatic starter at Barcelona, as he’s often vying with his older compatriot Dani Olmo for a starting berth in Hansi Flick’s 4-2-3-1 system. Nevertheless, he has also always been able to leave his mark on the pitch, whether as a starter or a substitute.

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez had described the attacking midfielder as a club ‘treasure’.

Transfermarkt estimates his current value at €110 million, or £92 million, but he would probably command an even larger figure considering the inflated market and his long-term contract (valid until June 2031).

However, the Catalans are unlikely to sanction his sale, as he’s considered important in the squad rotation, not to mention his status as a homegrown talent.

So, unless Fermin explicitly asks to leave Barcelona in the summer, Man Utd’s chances of landing him will be modest at best.