Fermín López asks for his signing in case Dani Olmo leaves: 'He's really good, I know him well'

Something has changed at Barça compared to last season. An almost flawless team has become a more predictable team with more shortcomings, although still at a very high level. The squad led by Hansi Flick remains at the top, positioning themselves as a strong contender for everything, but it's clear they're not playing the same soccer as last year.

One of the main reasons for this has been the drop in level of some key players; injuries as well. There are shortcomings in defense after Iñigo Martínez's departure and in attack with the injuries to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha and the difficult start to the season for Robert Lewandowski. However, one of the most criticized areas is in the attacking midfield.

Dani Olmo's level is not quite convincing Barça's fans, who had become used to the Egarense being a difference-maker in the attacking zone. He's not managing to connect with the attacking line as he used to, nor is he as decisive when possession goes through the midfield. He's losing more balls than usual and is not appearing as regularly in the attacking area.

All in all, it even seemed that Fermín López had overtaken him before getting injured. For this reason, Dani Olmo, who still has a strong reputation in Europe, could be one of Barça's sale options if needed. Hansi Flick has already made it clear: at Barça, you only have a place if you're able to show the level the badge demands. Dani Olmo, this season, is not doing so.

Álex Baena, the eternal target

In the hypothetical case that Dani Olmo were to be one of Barça's next sales, whenever that may be, Fermín would have a clear preference to take his position. The footballer from El Campillo has a good relationship with Álex Baena, who had been linked with Barça for the past two years. However, the Almerian signed this summer for Atlético de Madrid and his departure from the Metropolitano doesn't seem easy at all.

Fermín would love for that to happen, of course. After all, what could be better than competing for the position with a great friend? They shared a trip at last summer's Olympic Games, where the Spanish national team won the gold medal with both as key players for Santi Denia.

Both started in 5 of the 6 matches played in the tournament and even combined for one of the goals in the final. Álex Baena assisted and Fermín López scored what ended up being considered the best goal of the Games. In other words, they understand each other on the field; off it as well.

That's why, for the Huelva native, it would be excellent news if Barça reignited their interest in Álex Baena. It seems complicated, since he has a contract with Atleti until 2030, but in soccer we already know that nothing can be taken for granted. Still, Álex Baena's season is, so far, not remarkable at all.

He was injured at the start of LaLiga and has barely been able to play in three matches of the domestic tournament, providing just one assist. In any case, he has already shown on countless occasions that he's a top-level player who could easily be a candidate to play for Barça.