Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans confident of Nico Williams move, Thiago tempted to return, and more - July 9, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to add more quality to their squad to help Hansi Flick get them back to their best. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou as Xavi's replacement at the end of May.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are confident of securing the services of Nico Williams. Elsewhere, Thiago Alcantara is in talks to return to the club in a coaching role.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 9, 2024
Barcelona confident of Nico Williams move, says Joan Laporta
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that the club can complete a move for Nico Williams this summer. The Spanish forward is a wanted man this year and the Catalans have made him a priority target.
Williams enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Atletico Madrid, registering eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across all competitions. He has carried that form into Euro 2024 and has been decisive for La Roja so far.
The La Liga giants are pleased with his efforts and remain linked with a move for the 21-year-old. The player reportedly has a €58m release clause, which, given Barcelona's poor financial situation, has raised questions about the possibility of the move.
However, speaking to Catalunya Radio, Laporta insisted that the club are close to putting their monetary woes behind them.
“There will be good news on a sporting level, we will announce things soon. Soon we will be able to announce the operations we have worked on. Soon we will return to the normality of Fair Play,” said Laporta.
Laporta admitted his admiration for Williams and hinted that a move could be on the cards.
“Obviously I like him, and I like him a lot. But here we have to let those who have the responsibility work, and Deco is working to make the additions that have been discussed with Flick, and I hope to have good news,” said Laporta.
He continued:
“Today, yes we can afford to sign Nico Williams. It is the result of the work that has been done over the years to get to this point, we could afford a signing of this level.”
Williams has already formed a superb partnership with Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024.
Thiago tempted to return to Camp Nou
Thiago Alcantara is considering a return to Barcelona as part of Hansi Flick's coaching team, according to journalist Toni Juanmarti. The Brazilian midfielder has retired from football following the expiry of his contract with Liverpool.
Flick is now eager to bring Thiago back to Camp Nou as part of his backroom staff. The Spaniard played under the German manager during his time with Bayern Munich.
Flick took charge of the Catalans at the end of last season, following Xavi's exit, and is working to implement his tactical style. The German is convinced that Thiago's arrival can help his plans.
The Spaniard rose through the ranks at the La Liga giants and is reportedly tempted to return to his roots this summer. While he hasn't given the green signal yet, Juanmarti suggests that Thiago is considering the options. Should he agree to the proposal, Barcelona will arrive at the table with an official offer and the Spaniard will join as Flick's assistant.
Joao Felix sets deadline for move
Joao Felix wants his future to be sorted by July 27, according to SPORT. The Portuguese forward spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Barcelona from Atletico Madrid, registering ten goals and six assists from 44 games.
The Catalans remain keen to keep him at the club, although there has been no progress on that front due to their financial woes. They would prefer another loan deal, but Los Rojiblancos will only consider a permanent exit.
Felix is frustrated by the situation and wants it solved before the end of this month. The 24-year-old is not part of Diego Simeone's plans at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium and an exit remains his best chances of regular football.
Felix is tied to Atletico until 2029 and the club want a premium fee for his services. Interestingly, the player's former club Benfica have entered the fray of late and are reportedly offering €30m to buy 50 percent of his rights.
There's no agreement between the two parties yet, but a return to his former hunting ground could be on the cards for the Portuguese. However, Felix has his heart set on rejoining Barcelona this summer.