Neither Fermín nor Casado… Barcelona is preparing for a major sale before the end of the transfer window

As the summer transfer window races toward its final days, FC Barcelona finds itself once again at the center of speculation. Headlines have swirled regarding the potential departures of young talents Fermín López and Marc Casado. However, sources within the club have swiftly dismissed those claims. The true picture at Camp Nou is far from what many reports have suggested.

Despite rumors linking Fermín with a possible transfer, including interest from Premier League clubs, Hansi Flick remains adamant about keeping the Spanish midfielder. The German coach holds Fermín in high regard, praising his work rate, eye for goal, and positional flexibility. Flick reportedly sees him as a pillar of his long-term vision for Barcelona, appreciating his blend of energy and tactical intelligence.

Similarly, Marc Casado—another gem from La Masia—is not on the club’s sale list. Though the 20-year-old midfielder has found playing time hard to come by, his influence in the locker room remains strong. Key players, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, are believed to be vocal supporters of Casado, encouraging the club to retain him for the season ahead.

Internally, Barcelona values both Fermín and Casado not just for their talent but for their deep connection to the club’s identity. Their commitment, humility, and understanding of Barça’s playing philosophy align perfectly with the values Hansi Flick is trying to reinforce. As such, both are considered non-transferable unless extraordinary offers are made—which is currently not the case.

While attention was initially diverted toward these two midfielders, another name has quietly become the focal point of serious transfer discussions: Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan center-back, long hailed as a defensive cornerstone, now faces an uncertain future at the club. His style of play—more direct and physical—has prompted questions about his compatibility with Flick’s positional and possession-based approach.

Araújo has long attracted admiration across Europe. Clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Chelsea have been monitoring his situation closely. These teams are said to view Araújo as an elite defender entering his prime, capable of reinforcing their backlines with power and experience.

What sets Araújo apart in the transfer conversation is not just his reputation, but also his market value. With Barcelona still navigating the murky waters of Financial Fair Play regulations, the club views the defender as one of the few assets that could fetch a significant transfer fee without disrupting core development plans. It is believed that a bid in the region of €40 million could tempt the Catalan club into negotiations.

Unlike the cases of Fermín and Casado, Flick is reportedly open to the possibility of selling Araújo—though not actively pushing for it. The logic is pragmatic: should a sale bring in enough revenue to fund reinforcements in weaker areas, Flick would accept the trade-off, especially if the defender doesn’t fully align with his long-term tactical blueprint.

From a sporting perspective, the potential departure of Araújo would open the door for other defenders such as Pau Cubarsí and Andreas Christensen to step into more prominent roles. Barcelona’s defensive structure is currently well-stocked, and the emergence of new talents offers a cushion in case of an exit.

Of course, the final decision lies not only with the coach but with Araújo himself. Known for his love of the club and leadership presence, the 25-year-old has yet to publicly comment on any transfer talks. But with clubs preparing bids and Barcelona listening attentively, the coming weeks will be critical.

In the grander scheme of things, the Catalan giants are in a delicate phase of reconstruction. Hansi Flick is attempting to mold the squad into a unit that reflects his vision—fast, intelligent, and technically sound. Keeping hold of key youth players like Fermín and Casado while allowing departures that benefit the overall balance of the team seems to be the path forward.

As the transfer window nears its close, all eyes will now turn to Ronald Araújo’s future. Will he remain at the heart of Barcelona’s defense, or will the club part ways with a leader to secure the funds they so desperately need?

One thing is clear: while names like Fermín and Casado may be floated in the rumor mill, the true story of Barcelona’s summer might just hinge on one blockbuster sale.