Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana want Newcastle ace; Fenerbahce not eyeing Joao Felix, and more - June 18, 2024
Barcelona parted ways with Xavi after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign and have stationed Hansi Flick as his replacement. The former Bayern Munich manager is scouting the transfer market for reinforcements as he aims to get the club back to the top.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are plotting a player-plus-cash deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Elsewhere, Fenerbahce are not considering a move for on-loan Barca attacker Joao Felix this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on June 18, 2024:
Barcelona want Bruno Guimaraes
Barcelona are proposing a player-plus-cash deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian midfielder has gone from strength to strength recently with Newcastle United, registering seven goals and 10 assists in 50 games across competitions.
His efforts have earned him admirers at the Camp Nou, where a new pivot midfielder is an urgent requirement this summer. However, the club's poor finances is posing a problem to any potential deal.
The 26-year-old reportedly has a £100 million release clause in his contract, but the La Liga giants are in no condition to exercise that option. Barcelona are hoping to sweeten the deal by offering Andreas Christensen as part of their proposal.
The Danish defender has Premier League experience with Chelsea and could tempt the Magpies. However, Newcastle could also hold out for a cash only offer for their prized asset, amid interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-German and Manchester City.
Fenerbahce not eyeing Joao Felix
Fenerbahce are not planning a move for Joao Felix this summer, according to MARCA. A recent report suggested that Jose Mourinho has set his sights on his compatriot this year and wants the 24-year-old at the Turkish club.
The Portuguese forward spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at the Camp Nou from Atletico Madrid, registering 10 goals and six assists in 44 games across competitions. Barcelona are pleased with his efforts and would prefer to keep him permanently this summer.
However, Los Rojiblancos are likely to demand a premium for their prized asset, which could rule the Blaugrana out of the race. Felix's stock has plummeted in recent seasons, but his links with Fenerbahce were a cause for concern for Barcelona.
However, it now appears that Felix doesn't match the profile of player wanted by Mourinho this summer, and as such, the Turkish club are no longer interested in him. However, the Portuguese could still attract interest from top clubs this summer if he has a good Euro 2024 campaign.
Atletico remain keen to offload him permanently this summer. However, if a transfer doesn't materialise, they may have to accept a loan move, which would suit the Blaugrana.
West Ham United interested in Ferran Torres
West Ham United are planning to bring Ferran Torres back to the Premier League, according to Caught Offside. The Spanish forward joined Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022 but hasn't lived up to the billing.
Torres registered 11 goals and four assists in 42 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. The La Liga giants are planning to use player sales to get their finances in order, and the 24-year-old could be sacrificed this summer.
The Hammers are keeping a close eye on the situation. New manager Julen Lopetegui is well aware of Torres' abilities from his time in La Liga and wants his compatriot at the London Stadium.
The 24-year-old might not have the qualities to excel at an elite club like the Blaugrana, but he could be a fine option for West Ham.