Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana open to Inaki Pena exit; Danish ace wants to stay, and more - October 12, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to face Sevilla at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20 in La Liga. The Blaugrana have been in explosive form under Hansi Flick and are leading the title race after nine games.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are willing to offload goalkeeper Inaki Pena next summer. Elsewhere, defender Andreas Christensen wants to continue his stay at the Camp Nou.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 12, 2024:
Barcelona open to Inaki Pena exit
Barcelona will offload Inaki Pena next summer if they sign a new goalkeeper, according to SPORT. The Spanish goalkeeper has been pushed into the limelight at the Camp Nou following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury.
The Blaugrana have already roped in Wojciech Szczesny to cover for the German custodian. The Pole is expected to compete with Pena for a place in the starting XI under Flick.
However, the La Liga giants are also interested in a long-term replacement for Ter Stegen, whose recent injury issues have been a cause of concern. Multiple reports have said that Barcelona have identified Diogo Costa as the ideal successor for the German goalkeeper.
Prising the Portuguese away from FC Porto won't be a walk in the park. However, should the Blaugrana find success in their endeavour next summer, they are likely to offload Pena. The 25-year-old is under contract at the Camp Nou till 2026.
Andreas Christensen wants to stay at the Camp Nou
Andreas Christensen wants to continue with Barcelona despite interest from the Premier League, according to SPORT. The Danish defender's contract at the Camp Nou expires in 2026, and he's currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
The player isn't expected to regain full fitness this year and is already linked with a return to England in 2025. Christensen enjoyed a successful run with Chelsea in the Premier League before joining the Blaugrana.
The 28-year-old already has admirers in England but has no desire to leave the La Liga club just yet. The Blaugrana registered new signing Dani Olmo in Christensen's place this year, adding speculation regarding the Dane's future.
The player's camp is least pleased with the decision, but Barcelona have already assured them that the Dane will be re-registered as soon as he returns to full fitness. The Blaugrana are already in contact with Christensen to discuss a new deal.
Blaugrana relaxed about Lamine Yamal contract
Barcelona are relaxed about Lamine Yamal's contract, which expires in 2026, according to SPORT. The Spanish sensation has turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent following his exploits with the Blaugrana.
Yamal exploded into the scenes last season under Xavi, registering seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across competitions. The 17-year-old has taken his game to a higher level this season, scoring five goals and setting up five more in 11 outings across competitions.
The player's contract at the Camp Nou expires in 2026, and most of his suitors are keeping a close eye on the situation. However, Yamal has apparently reached an agreement with the La Liga giants to extend his stay till 2030, with a €1 billion release clause. The player is also happy at the club and doesn't want to leave.