Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans confident of Nico Williams deal, club want Bundesliga ace, and more - July 28, 2024
Barcelona finished second in the La Liga table last season, ending the campaign without silverware. The Catalans opted to remove Xavi from the hot seat at Camp Nou and have appointed Hansi Flick as his replacement.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are confident of signing Nico Williams this summer. Elsewhere, the Blaugrana have set their sights on a Bundesliga midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 28, 2024.
Barcelona confident of Nico Williams deal
Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains confident of securing the services of Nico Williams this summer, according to journalist Alex Pintanel. The Spanish forward has been identified as a priority target for this transfer window and the Catalans are already working to secure his signature.
Williams was outstanding for Athletic Bilbao last season, scoring eight goals and setting up 19 more from 37 games as his team won the Copa del Rey. The 22-year-old was also an indispensable part of Luis de la Fuente's Spain team that won Euro 2024.
The La Liga giants are planning to reunite Williams with his national teammate Lamine Yamal this summer. However, recent reports have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have entered the race to sign the Spaniard.
The Parisians are in the market for attacking additions since Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid. The Ligue 1 champions have apparently identified Williams as a target and are trying to agree personal terms with the player's camp.
The 22-year-old reportedly has a €58m release clause in his contract which can be easily triggered by PSG. The French giants are even ready to offer the Spaniard a bigger pay package if he moves to the Parc des Princes.
However, Barcelona remain hopeful that the player will accept their proposal and turn down the Parisians' advances. The Catalans have already accumulated the necessary funds to pay Williams' release clause.
Catalans want Dani Olmo
Barcelona are determined to sign Dani Olmo this summer, according to SPORT. The Catalans are hot on the heels of Nico Williams, but PSG's entry into the race has raised doubts about a move.
Recent reports have suggested that the La Liga giants have identified Olmo as an alternative to the 22-year-old. The RB Leipzig midfielder rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and the club hierarchy are apparently keen for his return.
However, it now appears that Barcelona's interest in Olmo is independent of their pursuit of Williams. Even if the club manage to sign the Athletic Bilbao forward, they will still try to secure their former player before the end of the summer.
Hansi Flick is apparently impressed by Olmo's versatility and sees him as a fine fit into his tactics. The Spaniard was key to La Roja's triumph at Euro 2024 and has also been in fine form for Leipzig of late.
The Catalans have already submitted their initial offer of €40m for the 26-year-old, but it has been turned down by the Bundesliga side. Leipzig are ready to let him go for a proper fee this summer.
Barcelona receive €65m offer for Raphinha
Barcelona have received a €65m offer from the Middle East for Raphinha, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian forward was in and out of the first team last season following Lamine Yamal's emergence.
The Catalans are not in a rush to let Raphinha go, but are willing to consider his departure to address their financial situation. However, they value the player at €90m and as such, the recent proposal was swiftly turned down.
The 27-year-old has generated interest from Saudi Arabia of late, with Al-Sadd also keeping a close eye on the player. Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are plotting to take Raphinha back to the Premier League, where he was a hit with Leeds United. The Brazilian is settled at Camp Nou, so any potential suitor will first have to convince him to move before striking a deal with the club.