Manchester United 'ready to pay asking price' for shock Barcelona star but one thing must happen first

Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet Barcelona’s valuation of a highly rated midfielder, but the proposed deal depends on another transfer.

Ruben Amorim has already welcomed new men Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon to the club this summer, but United’s transfer dealings appear to be far from done.

The squad are currently taking part in the US-based Premier League Summer Series, having beaten West Ham United and Bournemouth last week. The Red Devils are set to face Everton in Atlanta on Sunday (August 3) evening before continuing their pre-season against Serie A outfit Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.

Several players’ futures at the club are still uncertain, with Tyrell Malacia, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho all linked with potential moves away from United, while out-of-favour Marcus Rashford has completed a season-long loan move to Barcelona with an option to buy for £26m next summer.

Man Utd are currently taking part in the Premier League Summer Series (Credit:Getty)

And United could be set to do business with the La Liga champions once more this summer. According to reports from Spanish outlet Sport, United are willing to pay Barcelona’s £61 million asking price for 22-year-old attacking midfielder/winger Fermin Lopez.

Lopez, a La Masia graduate, registered eight goals and ten assists in 46 appearances for Barca in 2024/25 but may see his opportunities limited due to the arrival of Rashford, who will likely play on the left while Raphinha moves to a more central role.

Fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal are also showing interest in the Spain international, while a number of Saudi Arabian sides are keen.

Mundo Deportivo claimed that Barcelona have yet to receive an offer from United and that head coach Hansi Flick ‘doesn’t want him to leave the club’.

Fermin Lopez in action for Barcelona (Credit:Getty)

However, any potential movement for Fermin may have to wait while United prioritise their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko, 22, has been the subject of interest from both the Red Devils and Newcastle United, with the northeast club submitting a £69.8m bid including add-ons for the player on Saturday, which was rejected by the Bundesliga outfit.

Sky Sports also reported that United will likely have to make sales before lodging an official bid for the Slovenian.

Meanwhile, it is understood that RB Leipzig are interested in United striker Rasmus Hojlund and have explored the conditions of a loan.