Key Takeaways:
- Gavi and Fermin Lopez experienced two notable clashes during training sessions in August, one in South Korea and another back in Barcelona
- Barcelona’s coaching staff intervened quickly, with coach Hansi Flick mediating to restore harmony between the young talents
- Fermin Lopez remained at Barcelona after discussing his future with Flick, while Gavi is currently recovering from a right knee injury
Background: Rising Stars Face Internal Friction
In recent months, the dynamics between Barcelona’s standout prospects, Gavi and Fermin Lopez, have drawn increasing scrutiny. Once recognised for their camaraderie both on and off the pitch, the pair’s relationship encountered turbulence in August, prompting discussion of overall unity within the Catalan side’s dressing room.
🚨 How the Fermín–Gavi issue escalated:
– In Korea, Gavi made a harsh tackle on Fermín during training. He always goes full intensity, but this one shocked teammates.
– Back in Barcelona, Gavi pushed Fermín, who demanded explanations. No fight, just tension.
– Araujo and… pic.twitter.com/sQgl5ov3nr
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 10, 2025
Incidents During Pre-season Raise Concerns
The issue first surfaced during Barcelona’s pre-season tour in Asia. While training in South Korea, Gavi and Fermin Lopez were involved in a fierce battle for possession. The collision left Fermin in need of assistance before he could continue playing. Although initially dismissed as an isolated on-pitch incident, similar friction re-emerged days later at the club’s training base in Barcelona.
This subsequent episode featured a heated verbal exchange following a misunderstanding in a training duel. Teammates were required to intervene to de-escalate tensions, which heightened the coaching staff’s concerns over player relations and the potential for disruptive rivalry within the squad.
Club Leadership Steps In to Defuse Tensions
Head coach Hansi Flick responded promptly, summoning both Gavi and Fermin for discussions aimed at reinforcing professionalism and averting a lasting rift. The club’s strategic acquisition of veteran Thiago Alcantara, a respected figure in the dressing room, has been interpreted as an effort to provide guidance and mediate egos among the younger members of the squad.
Squad Stability and Player Futures
Sources close to the camp revealed that Fermin Lopez contemplated a move to Chelsea, but ultimately decided to remain in Barcelona after a reassuring conversation with Flick. Meanwhile, Gavi is dedicating himself to his rehabilitation following a right knee injury that could necessitate arthroscopy. Despite the speculation, both players and the wider squad have emphasised that the matter has been laid to rest, reiterating their focus on maintaining collective unity.
