Two reasons why Barcelona rejected signing €40 million La Liga midfielder in January – report

A few days ago, we reported that Barcelona had struck a pre-contract agreement with Almeria midfielder Dion Lopy during Mateu Alemany’s reigns, and if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, the interest continued until the January transfer window but the move failed for two prominent reasons.

Barcelona were cautiously examining the market for midfield reinforcements right up to the final moments of the January transfer window mostly because Gavi was set to miss the remainder of the season. 

The primary challenge remained the financial fair play constraints, but the club found room for adjustments, presented by the case of Lopy.

Lopy’s name was actively considered and received significant evaluation. In fact, credible sources from the club even indicated that the signing of the midfielder was imminent. However, the incorporation was ultimately concluded.

Lopy’s scouting report was substandard

As reported by the aforementioned outlet, Barcelona ruled out Lopy’s signing for two reasons. 

Dion Lopy will be assessed by Barcelona until the summer transfer market. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

First, the team from Catalonia addressed a technical concern when considering his potential. Before making a definitive decision, they reached out to various teams where Lopy had previously played.

Unfortunately, the feedback received about the midfielder was not entirely positive. While he was acknowledged as a skilled player for the First Division, there were reservations about his maturity level, especially in the context of reinforcing a Barça team during a crucial mid-season period.

Finances did not allow Barcelona

Lopy has been a consistent presence in a troubled Almeria side and his performances have attracted not only the attention of Barça but also from several teams outside La Liga. 

Teams, such as Eintracht Frankfurt, expressed interest in acquiring him during the January transfer window, even presenting a €15 million offer that Almería declined. Given the financial landscape of Barcelona, surpassing this proposal was deemed too difficult.

Right now, although Lopy was discarded as an option in January, it is said that he continues to be on Barcelona’s radar and the team from Catalonia will continue evaluating the possibility of bringing him on board during the summer transfer window.