Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalan giants reject €250m offer for Spanish star, club reach agreement for Nico Williams, and more - July 11, 2024
Barcelona are looking ahead to the new campaign with renewed hopes, following the arrival of Hansi Flick. The former Bayern Munich manager took over from Xavi at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants rejected a colossal offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a Spanish forward earlier this summer. Elsewhere, Barca have reached an agreement to take Nico Williams to Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 11, 2024.
Barcelona reject €250m offer for Lamine Yamal
Barcelona turned down a €250m offer for Lamine Yamal from PSG before the start of Euro 2024, according to SPORT. The 16-year-old has taken the world by storm of late, earning plaudits for his performances for both club and country.
Yamal is coming off a breakthrough season with Barca, scoring seven times and setting up 10 more from 50 games across competitions. He has been sensational for La Roja at Euro 2024, showcasing skills beyond his age.
The teenager has registered one goal and three assists in six matches, playing a big role in Spain's march to the final. He has inevitably been compared with Lionel Messi and has caught the imagination of fans across the globe.
PSG are among his suitors as well and attempted to prise him away earlier this summer. The Ligue 1 champions are looking for Kylian Mbappe's replacement and believe the 16-year-old can do the trick.
However, their proposal was swiftly rejected by the La Liga giants, who are adamant that Yamal won't be sold. The Spaniard is under contract until 2026 and will sign a new deal until 2030 once he comes of age.
Barcelona also have a €1bn release clause in his deal and are looking ahead to the future with the player firmly in their plans.
Barca reach an agreement for Nico Williams
Barcelona have reached an agreement on personal terms with Nico Williams, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward is hot property this summer, thanks to his steady rise with Athletic Bilbao.
Williams registered eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions last season and has carried that form to Euro 2024. His efforts have caused a stir in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea planning to take the 21-year-old to England.
However, the Catalan giants have apparently stolen a march on their rivals and convinced the player to move to Camp Nou. Recent reports have suggested that Hansi Flick has made Williams a priority target this summer.
The Spaniard reportedly has a €58m release clause in his contract, which Barcelona are yet to exercise. The club's poor financial situation, however, is raising questions about the feasibility of the deal. Things are likely to speed up once Euro 2024 comes to an end.
Mikel Merino wanted at Camp Nou, says Fabrizio Romano
Barcelona remain on the hunt for Mikel Merino this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish midfielder has emerged as a target for the Catalan giants this summer following an impressive campaign with Real Sociedad.
Merino finished the 2023-24 season with eight goals and five assists from 45 outings across competitions and is currently with La Roja at Euro 2024. The 28-year-old's contract expires next summer and he is yet to sign a new deal.
Barca are looking for a new pivot midfielder this summer amid Oriol Romeu's struggles. The former Girona midfielder arrived at Camp Nou last year but hasn't lived up to the task of replacing Sergio Busquets.
Hansi Flick has identified Merino as an option. The player's contract situation will also suit Barcelona, whose financial woes are well-documented.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Arsenal also have their eyes on the Spaniard.
“Mikel Merino – The Spain midfielder is on the list at Barcelona for sure, appreciated by the board; Arsenal have also been tracking him as he’s considered a good market opportunity with one year left on his contract, while Mikel Arteta also follows Real Sociedad regularly. Let’s see what happens, it’s still early for this one with all options open,” wrote Romano.
Merino could be a fine replacement for Thomas Partey at the Emirates, with the Ghanian midfielder expected to depart this summer.