Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana suffer Julian Alvarez blow; Ansu Fati wanted in Middle East, and more - October 24, 2023
Barcelona are preparing for their home game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday (October 25) in the UEFA Champions League. Xavi's men have won both group-stage games.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Manchester City attacekr Julian Alvarez. Elsewhere, on-loan attacker Ansu Fati is wanted in Saudi Arabia.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 24, 2023:
Barcelona suffer Julian Alvarez blow
Barcelona have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Julian Alvarez. According to Football Insider, Manchester City are confident that the Argentinean will stay at the club for the unforeseeable future.
The 23-year-old has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana recently. Xavi is looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who's in the final phase of his career.
Alvarez has shown that he has all the attributes to be a success at a big club. The Argentinean was a key member of his national team who went all the way at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has also held his own alongside the indomitable Erling Haaland at the Etihad, playing a key role in their continental treble win last season.
Barca are pleased with his efforts and want him at the Camp Nou. However, the player signed a new deal earlier this year and is tied to the Premier League champions till 2028. He's indispensable to City's cause, having scored seven goals and set up five in 14 games across competitions.
Barcelona, as such, are in for a disappointment, as City are confident of keeping Alvarez at the Emirates. Apart from the Blaugrana, Real Madrid also have their eyes on the Argentinean.
Ansu Fati wanted in Middle East
Saudi Arabia are planning to prise Ansu Fati away in 2024, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward is on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, having joined them this summer in search of regular football. The 20-year-old dropped down the pecking order under Xavi at Barcelona of late, and his future remains up in the air.
Once considered the next big thing out of La Masia, Fati has been on a downward spiral since then, mostly due to injury woes. Recent reports have hinted that the Blaugrana are willing to listen to offers for the Spaniard next summer.
Saudi Arabia are planning to prise him away in 2024m and the player's camp is not averse to the idea.
Xavi heaps praise on Ilkay Gundogan
Xavi has spoken highly of Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder joined Barcelona this summer as a free agent after the end of his Manchester City contract. He has hit the ground running at the Camp Nou and has become a first-team regular.
Speaking to the press, as cited by Football Espana, the Spanish manager pointed out that Gundogan is fundamental to his team.
"He is having a very good start to the season. How he has adapted, his leadership, he gives us poise ... peace of mind, all the balls that pass through him, they improve.
"He's is a priceless footballer. He gives peace of mind, tempo. He’s fundamental to our way of understanding the game," said Xavi.
Gundogan played a key role in City's treble triumph last season.