Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana not planning Erling Haaland move; club eyeing Bayern Munich ace, and more - October 7, 2024
Barcelona have been very impressive under new boss Hansi Flick this season. The German manager took charge at the Camp Nou over the summer and has won nine of his 11 games in charge across competitions.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are not working on a move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are interested in Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 7, 2024:
Barcelona not planning Erling Haaland move, says Fabrizio Romano
Barcelona are not planning a move for Erling Haaland at the moment, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Norwegian striker has been in a rich vein of form since arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022.
This season, Haaland has registered 11 goals in 10 games across competitions. However, speculation is ripe regarding his future amid fears of sanctions for City due to FFP breaches.
The Blaugrna are keeping a close eye on the situation. They are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski and have apparently identified the 24-year-old as the ideal candidate for the job.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona are plotting to prise Haaland away next summer. However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“Erling Haaland – Barcelona have been linked with Manchester City’s star player in the Spanish press, but my honest feeling is that predicting what Barca will do now for summer 2025 would be completely made up stuff,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“It will depend on Financial Fair Play and on how this season goes. It’s still early October. At the club, they’re absolutely not working on this kind of big deals for summer 2025 now. Haaland is only focused on Man City, there’s nothing concrete ongoing at all – I can guarantee that.”
Lewandowski has been outstanding under Flick this season, registering 12 goals in 11 across competitions.
Blaugrana eyeing Leroy Sane
Barcelona are planning to bring Leroy Sane to the Camp Nou next summer, according to SPORT. The German forward has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich but is yet to sign a new deal.
Sane has dropped down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany this season following the arrival of Michael Olise over the summer. The 28-year-old has appeared just four times this campaign, all of them from the bench.
The Blaugrana are attentive to his situation as they look to improve their attack. The La Liga giants would ideally like to sign Nico Williams for the job but are aware that prising him away from Athletic Bilbao won't be easy.
Hence, Barcelona are keeping their options open and have identified Sane as an option. The German forward's availability on a Bosman move makes him a lucrative prospect.
Ronald Araujo open to renewal
Ronald Araujo is willing to extend his stay at the Camp Nou, according to journalist Adrian Fernandez. The Uruguayan defender was indispensable for the Blaugrana last season but is currently sidelined with an injury.
Araujo was subject to an intense pursuit from Bayern Munich in January this season, but then manager Xavi closed the door on his departure. The Bavarians, along with long-term admirers Manchester United, were also linked with the player in the summer before he got injured.
The 25-year-old is under contract with Barca till 2026, and the club are keen to tie him down to a new deal. Despite the huge interest in his services, Araujo is ready to extend his stay with Barcelona but will only agree to stay on his own terms.