Barcelona's Fermin Lopez extending contract through 2031

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona and breakout midfielder Fermin Lopez have agreed to extend his contract through June 2031, the Spanish club said Friday.

The 22-year-old Fermin is one of the club's top young talents, along with Lamine Yamal and Pedri Gonzalez.

Fermin was close to a move to Chelsea last summer, but stayed at Barcelona and has remained a versatile member of Hansi Flick's side thanks to his scoring instinct.

He has netted 10 goals this season, including five in the Champions League, along with making 11 assists despite not always starting.

Barcelona called the new deal with Fermin a "strategic decision."

Fermin joined Barcelona when he was 13. His previous contract was to expire in 2029.

Fermin has only made five appearances for Spain but is expected to be part of its World Cup team this summer.

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