Fermin Lopez backs Barcelona return for Ronald Araujo amid transfer uncertainty

Fermin Lopez says he hopes Ronald Araujo will return to Barcelona next year, while declining to comment in detail on speculation involving Rodri and Ferran Torres.

The Barcelona midfielder spoke after his side’s involvement in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup in Italy, where they recorded a late victory over Nottingham before losing to Udinese in the three-team friendly tournament.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Lopez was asked directly about Araujo’s reported departure for Liverpool and gave a brief but clear response.

“I hope he returns next year,” said the Barcelona player.

Lopez was also questioned about reports suggesting Ferran Torres could leave the club. However, he said he did not have enough information to discuss the situation and stressed that the decision should belong to his team-mate.

“I don’t want to get into this because I don’t have enough information. He is a great team-mate and I hope he decides what is best for him, but I don’t want to get into it,” Lopez said.

The 22-year-old was similarly cautious when asked about the speculation surrounding Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has been linked with a possible move to Barcelona.

“I don’t have information about this, but whatever Deco and the sporting management decide, I will see as suitable. Everyone knows that Rodri is a great player, and I don’t want to get too involved in this because it would be disrespectful to the players who are currently here,” he said.

Barcelona’s matches in Italy provided Lopez with an opportunity to continue building his fitness and match rhythm. The Catalan club beat Nottingham after Raphinha converted a penalty in stoppage time, but were then beaten by Udinese in the friendly competition.

Assessing his own performance and condition, Lopez said he was eager to return to action but still needed more time to regain his sharpness after a demanding summer.

“I really wanted to play, and I still lack a little match rhythm. It has been a very difficult summer, but I am fine now and I want to continue developing,” he said.

Barcelona’s victory against Nottingham came through Raphinha’s late spot-kick, with the Brazil forward scoring from the penalty area in added time. The result was followed by defeat against Udinese as the Italian tournament continued.

Lopez also praised the young players emerging from Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, as the club continues to provide opportunities for home-grown talent.

“We are working very well, and the players coming from La Masia have a great deal of quality,” he said.

His comments come as Barcelona assess several squad matters, including Araujo’s reported move to Liverpool, the future of Ferran Torres and the continuing speculation over Rodri. Lopez, however, made clear that he did not want to go beyond what he knew, leaving decisions over the squad to Deco and the club’s sporting department.