Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana receive Joshua Kimmich boost; Robert Lewandowski wants to stay, and more - April 30, 2024
Barcelona secured a hard-fought 4-2 win over Valencia at home on Monday, April 29, in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick after Fermin Lopez's first-half opener to secure three points for Xavi's team.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have received a boost in their plans to sign Joshua Kimmich this summer. Elsewhere, Lewandowski want to stay at the Camp Nou for another season.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on April 30, 2024:
Barcelona receive Joshua Kimmich boost
Barcelona have received a boost in their efforts to secure the services of Joshua Kimmich.
According to SPORT, the German midfielder would prefer to join the Blaugrana if he leaves Bayern Munich this summer. Kimmich's contract with the Bavarians expires in 2025, but he hasn't signed an extension yet. The Bundesliga giants could be forced to cash in on him if an agreement is not reached soon.
Kimmich remains a wanted face in the European circuit, thanks to his efforts for club and country. The 29-year-old also has admirers at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola eager for a reunion at the Etihad.
The Premier League champions are ready to match his €50 million price tag, which could be a problem for Barcelona. However, it appears that Kimmich wants to move to the Camp Nou instead.
The La Liga giants are already working to offload players to facilitate a move, with a swap deal involving Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo also a possibility.
Robert Lewandowski wants to stay
Robert Lewandowski wants to stay at Barcelona for another season, according to SPORT.
The Polish striker's contract with the club runs till 2026, but speculation is ripe regarding his next move. There's interest in the player from the Middle East, while he's also wanted in the MLS. Meanwhile, it has also been reported that the Blaugrana want to offload him this summer to remove his exorbitant wages from their books.
However, the 35-year-old has no desire to leave the club just yet. Lewandowski gave his naysayers a stark reminder of his qualities against Valencia on Monday. The veteran striker has scored 23 goals and set up nine in 44 outings across competitions this season.
Lewandowski believes that he still has a lot to offer to the La Liga giants and also wants to mentor upcoming stars like Lamont Yamal and Gavi.
Xavi opens up on decision to stay at the Camp Nou
Xavi has said that his decision to continue with Barcelona was based on the club's confidence in his abilities.
He had previously announced that he would leave Camp Nou this summer but performed a U-turn on that decision last week. His team have responded well to his tactics in recent months, and the Blaugrana were always keen for him to stay.
Speaking to the press as cited by Football Espana, Xavi admitted that everyone at the club have always supported him.
“I’m very good, I explained it the other day in a natural way. In January I felt responsible for the bad results, and I thought the best thing was to step aside, but then I saw the confidence of the president, of Deco, of the club and in particular of the footballers, which is fundamental,” said Xavi.
He added:
“Barca, above all. It’s very emotional. The Catalans and the cules are like that. Sometimes we do great, and sometimes we all destroy it. I have felt the support of the club, Deco and the players.”
Xavi concluded:
“We try to be demanding with them. It is the history of this club. My decision to announce goodbye was move for meant to do so. Maybe they could have given more. So it was. I think that both at Montjuïc and at the Bernabeu we deserved much more.”
Xavi has won 86 of 138 games in charge for the La Liga giants, registering a 62.32% win ratio.