Barca youngster Fermin Lopez signs new deal until 2029

MADRID -- FC Barcelona on Thursday confirmed that 21-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez has signed a new contract until the end of June 2029.

The new deal sees Lopez's release clause increased to 500 million euros, which is virtually inaccessible for other clubs.

Lopez burst on the scene at Barcelona in the summer of 2023 when he scored against Real Madrid in the club's summer tour and he ended the season with 31 league appearances, with eight goals showing his ability to arrive in rival penalty areas almost unspotted.

His form earned him a place in the Spain national team squad for the European Championships and although he hardly played as Spain lifted the title, he was then included in the squad for the Paris Olympic Games, winning a gold medal with the rest of his international teammates.

Although last season saw him extend his stay at the club until 2027, his positive displays and ability to press high up the field have been fitted into Hansi Flick's style of play and he was in the starting 11 for last weekend's 4-1 win over Real Madrid.