Barcelona transfer news: Replacement for €100m star identified, Barca keen on attacking duo and more - 3rd December 2018
Hello and welcome to the Barcelona transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Barcelona transfer news and rumours!
The Catalans are in top form in Europe as well as in the LaLiga. Their squad might appear complete at the moment but it is not so. With Samuel Umtiti and Luis Suarez sidelined due to injuries, La Blaugrana are searching for appropriate replacements to fill the void.
As a result, the club has already found itself being with a move for a number of players prior to the January transfer window. On that note, let's have a look at what the rumour mill has churned out about Catalans today.
#1 Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie De Jong advised to join Barcelona
Former Barcelona star Ronald de Boer has advised his Ajax duo Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie de Jong to prefer joining Barcelona over English heavyweights Manchester City.
The Catalans have shown steady interest in signing the Dutchmen, with the Cityzens also having emerged as fierce competitors for their signature.
Lending his advice on the matter, de Boer said:
“I advise them to sign for Barcelona, or if not, for Pep [Guardiola’s] Manchester City.
“Ajax’s style is the same as Barca’s, they could adapt quickly. I would also advise them to go to Barcelona because the club is in my heart. The important thing is that they go to a team that fits their style. They have a lot of quality and there are many clubs interested."
De Boer also commented on why Barcelona are in greater need of the duo as he said:
"Barca have to renew their team in the coming years because if they don’t they will have problems like Bayern. It is better to sign young players now and to get them ready for when they have to start games.”
#2 AC Milan enquire about Denis Suarez
According to Sky Italia via Calciomercato, AC Milan have shown interest in signing Barcelona outcast Denis Suarez in January. The Rossoneri have lost Biglia and Bonaventura to injuries and are searching options to bolster their midfield
Suarez has failed to cement his place in the starting XI at the Nou Camp amidst fierce competition and the Italian outfit is ready to offer him an escape route out of the club.
The Spaniard's contract with the Catalans expires in 2020.
#3 Barcelona want Piatek and Lozano in January
According to Don Balon via Goal, Barcelona are eyeing swoops for Hirving Lozano and Krzysztof Piatek in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Catalans wish to add another goalscoring threat to their attack apart from Lionel Messi and view the PSV and Genoa stars as suitable men for the job. Piatek has bagged 10 goals in 14 Serie A appearances - same as Lozano in the Eredivisie.
Both forwards are more likely to embrace a move to the Nou Camp than Kylian Mbappe, who has been on Barca's radar this season.
#4 Barcelona keen on signing Sancho as Dembele replacement
According to Don Balon via CaughtOffside, Barcelona are interested in poaching highly-rated youngster Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund to replace Ousmane Dembele.
The Englishman, one of the hottest young talents in the world right now, has excelled in the Bundesliga following his move to Dortmund from Manchester City.
Dembele has failed to live up to the expectations at the club, failing to showcase the best of his abilities on a consistent basis. The 21-year-old has also been linked with a move out of the club on multiple occasions, with Barcelona rumoured to be holding him out for €100 million.
For more Barcelona transfer news and rumours, visit our Barcelona Transfer News page.