Fermin Lopez has said he hopes Ronald Araujo returns to Barcelona next year, while refusing to comment in detail on speculation involving Ferran Torres and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The Barcelona midfielder spoke after his side’s involvement in the Copa Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy, where they beat Nottingham Forest through a stoppage-time penalty scored by Raphinha before losing to Udinese in the three-team friendly tournament.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Lopez was asked directly about Araujo’s departure to Liverpool and made clear that he would welcome the defender back at Barcelona.
“I hope he returns next year,” Lopez said.
The comments come as Barcelona continue to face questions over the futures of several players and the club’s potential interest in Rodri. Lopez was unwilling to offer a firm view on reports concerning Ferran Torres, saying he did not have enough information about the situation.
“I don’t want to get into this because I don’t have enough information. He’s a great team-mate and I hope he decides what is best for him, but I don’t want to get into it,” he said.
Lopez was also asked about speculation surrounding Rodri, but again stressed that transfer decisions were not his responsibility. The Spain international has been linked with a possible move, although Lopez said he had no knowledge of the situation.
“I don’t have information about this, but whatever Deco and the sporting management decide, I will see it as appropriate. Everyone knows that Rodri is a great player, and I don’t want to go too deeply into this because it would be disrespectful to the players who are currently here,” he said.
The 22-year-old also reflected on his own display and his readiness for the new campaign. Lopez said he had been eager to play but still needed more match rhythm after a demanding summer.
“I really wanted to play, and I still lack a little match rhythm. It has been a very tough summer, but I am fine now and I want to continue growing,” he said.
Barcelona’s trip to Italy produced contrasting results. Raphinha’s late penalty secured victory over Nottingham Forest, but the Catalan side were then beaten by Udinese in the friendly competition.
Lopez also praised the young players coming through Barcelona’s academy and said the club’s emerging talents were making a strong impression.
“We are working very well, and the players coming from La Masia have very high quality,” he said.
His remarks offer an insight into the mood within the Barcelona squad as the club considers its options in the transfer market, while Lopez’s comments on Araujo underline the defender’s importance to his team-mates despite his move to Liverpool.
