Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Barca reach Nico Williams agreement, club submit offer for RB Leipzig star, and more - July 4, 2024
Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season and ended the campaign without silverware. The Catalan giants have since parted ways with head coach Xavi and roped in Hansi Flick as his replacement.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have reached an agreement to take Nico Williams to Camp Nou this summer. Elsewhere, Barca have placed a verbal offer on the table for a RB Leipzig midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 4, 2024.
Barcelona reach Nico Williams agreement
Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with Nico Williams, according to journalist Jota Jordi.
The Spanish forward is hot property this summer after his heroics helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last season.
Williams registered eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions and forced clubs across the continent to take note. He has been in good form for Spain at Euro 2024 (one goal and one assist) and has built a fine partnership with Lamine Yamal in attack.
The Catalans are long-term admirers of the 21-year-old and remain linked with a move this year. The La Liga giants are looking to improve their attack and believe Williams will be a fine fit in Hansi Flick's tactics.
The player signed a new deal with Bilbao last December and reportedly has a €58m release clause in his deal. To make matters worse, Chelsea and Arsenal are also hot on his heels.
However, it now appears that Barcelona have already stolen a march on their rivals. Barca have apparently reached a verbal agreement with a player's camp a month ago regarding a move this summer.
However, Barcelona are facing monetary problems and still have to arrange funds to finance the transfer.
Barca submit offer for Dani Olmo
Barcelona have submitted a verbal offer for Dani Olmo, according to 90 Min.
The Spanish midfielder rose through the ranks at Camp Nou but left for Dinamo Zagreb before he could break into Barca's starting XI. He has made a name for himself since arriving at RB Leipzig in 2020 and has forced the Catalan giants to consider a return.
Olmo struggled with injuries in the 2023-24 campaign but still managed eight goals and five assists from 25 games across competitions. The 26-year-old has a €60m release clause in his deal which expires in the middle of July.
The La Liga giants don't have the finances to trigger that option but remain keen to bring the player home. They are willing to pay a similar amount for his services, but with more favorable terms of payment.
Leipzig would prefer to receive Olmo's release clause in full to let him go. However, they are willing to consider Barcelona's proposal. The Catalans have already reached out to the player's camp as well as the German club to discuss a deal.
Manchester City were previously interested in Olmo, but have apparently set their sights on Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich. That could help the La Liga giants secure the services of the Spaniard this summer.
Barcelona set Ronald Araujo price
Barcelona will allow Ronald Araujo to leave this summer for €100m, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report adds that Barca don't want the Uruguayan to leave, but will approve his departure if the player requests to be sold.
Araujo has been a key figure at the back for the Catalan giants of late and has been one of the finest players at Copa America so far. The 25-year-old's contract expires in 2026 and talks for a new deal haven't been fruitful so far.
Hansi Flick has the Uruguay international firmly in his plans and wants him to stay. However, Araujo is not short of suitors right now. Bayern Munich remain interested despite their failed attempt in January.
Manchester United are also long-term admirers, although recent reports have suggested that they have set their sights on Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt. Should any of his suitors agree to match Barca's asking price, Araujo will be allowed to leave.