Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalan giants plan 2025 Erling Haaland move, Joao Felix wants Camp Nou stay, and more - July 6, 2024
Barcelona are working to improve their squad over the summer as they aim to return to the top next season. The Catalan giants have already roped in Hansi Flick as manager to help them achieve their goals.
Meanwhile, Barca are planning to make a move for Eriling Haaland in 2025. Elsewhere, Joao Felix is eager to return to Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 6, 2024.
Barcelona plan 2025 Erling Haaland move
Barcelona are planning a move for Erling Haaland in 2024, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Norwegian striker is a long-term target for the Catalans, but their financial instability has all but ruled out a move this summer.
The La Liga giants are working to improve their squad this year and are concentrating on other areas of the pitch. They aim to focus on a new No. 9 next summer, as a possible replacement for the aging Robert Lewandowski.
Haaland has been identified as the perfect candidate for the job. However, prising him away from Manchester City won't be easy.
The entire operation is likely to cost around €175m next year, due to a release clause in his contract. The Norwegian's release clause will decrease in 2026, but even then the player might be out of reach for Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Barca remain hopeful of getting their man. With the new Camp Nou set to be ready in 2025, they are confident of putting their monetary issues behind them soon.
Joao Felix wants Camp Nou stay, says Fabrizio Romano
Joao Felix is eager to return to Camp Nou this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Portuguese spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Barcelona from Atletico Madrid. Felix registered 10 goals and set up six more from 44 appearances across competitions and the Catalan giants are pleased with his efforts.
The 24-year-old has returned to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium this summer but isn't part of Los Rojiblancos' plans. Felix is eager to be a part of Hansi Flick's squad for the new campaign.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that a move cannot be guaranteed just yet.
“Nothing has changed with regard to Joao Felix. Barcelona are still keen on bringing him back, but they need to agree on a deal with Atletico Madrid and that’s not easy or guaranteed yet. Patience is needed, exactly the same as last year, and from the player’s point of view, Joao Felix is currently waiting again for Barcelona,” wrote Romano
Felix is under contract with Atletico Madrid until 2029, so prising him away might not be cheap.
Frenkie de Jong not looking to leave Barca
Frenkie de Jong is eager to become the Dutchman with the most appearances for Barcelona. The 26-year-old's contract expires in 2026, but his future is subject to speculation this summer.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of the player and remain linked with him this summer. Barca are in financial distress and a move cannot be ruled out. However, De Jong has no desire to leave Camp Nou.
Speaking to Barca One, De Jong also opened up on being one of the skippers at the club.
“It’s all happened so quickly (registering 234 appearances) because you don’t stop to think about how many games you’ve played, but of course, it’s a source of pride. There’s still a long way to go, but I’d like to be the Dutchman with the most games in Barça’s history,” said De Jong.
“It’s an honor (to be one of Barcelona's captains). When they appointed me, my approach didn’t change much, although being the captain on the pitch gives you more responsibilities. So I tried to change it and help people, although my approach remained the same. I hope to play for many more years at Barça," he added.
Philip Cocu holds the record for being the Dutchman with the most appearances (292) times for Barcelona. De Jong, meanwhile, has made 213 appearances across competitions for the Catalan outfit.