Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans decide future of German star, club eyeing Thomas Partey, and more - October 14, 2024
Barcelona have been in explosive form under Hansi Flick this season and are leading the LaLiga title race after nine games. The German manager has lost just once in the league so far, winning the other eight.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are not actively looking to offload a German player. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have their eyes on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 14, 2024.
Barcelona decide future of Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona still consider Marc-Andre ter Stegen as part of their plans, according to Mundo Deportivo. However, the Catalans will make a decision on his future depending on his recovery from his recent injury setback.
The German goalkeeper injured his knee last month and had to undergo surgery. Ter Stegen isn't expected to return to action this season and the LaLiga giants have already signed Wojciech Szczesny as his temporary replacement.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona are eyeing Diogo Costa as a possible long-term replacement for the German. It has also been suggested that the 32-year-old could be offloaded for the right price at the end of this season.
However, it now appears that the Catalans want to make a thorough assessment of the player's injury situation before coming to a decision on his future. Should Ter Stegen manage a complete recovery, there's no reason why he won't continue as the No. 1 at Camp Nou.
Catalans eyeing Thomas Partey
Barcelona have initiated contact with Thomas Partey's camp ahead of a possible move next summer, according to Relevo. The Ghanaian midfielder's contract with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of this season and he hasn't been offered a new deal yet.
The Catalans have been eyeing free agents of late as they steer through financial turmoil. Partey is a highly experienced campaigner, who has already played in LaLiga with Atletico Madrid. He made 163 appearances in the Spanish top flight, also winning the title in the 2020-21 season.
The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries at the Emirates but could be a fine backup option for Barcelona to consider. Club sporting director Deco has been in touch with the player's camp to discuss a potential move in 2025.
Arnau Tenas opens up on Camp Nou exit
Arnau Tenas insists that he was eager to stay at Barcelona. The Spanish goalkeeper rose through the ranks at Camp Nou but left the club in the summer of 2023 following the expiry of his contract.
Tenas opted to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a Bosmam move but has also struggled for chances at the Parc des Princes so far. The 23-year-old is now the third-choice goalkeeper for the Parisians behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and Matvey Safonov.
Speaking recently, as cited by MARCA, Tenas lamented the Catalans' decision to let him go.
"I would have signed any contract. I would have stayed and gone somewhere else on loan because I had to play and there was no place for me in the first team, but I don’t understand why this didn’t happen,” said Tenas.
He continued:
"They didn’t put an offer on the table for me to say yes or no. When I found out, it was hard. I was playing in the European Under-21 Championship and I didn’t want my teammates to see me affected.”
Tenas was briefly linked with a return to Camp Nou in January following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury.