Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans desperate to sign Erling Haaland, club worried about Dutchman's future, and more - October 16, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to lock horns with Sevilla at home on Sunday, October 20, in LaLiga. Hansi Flick's team are leading the title race after nine games this season, having registered eight wins so far in the league.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are determined to bring Erling Haaland to Camp Nou in 2025. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are concerned about the future of a Dutch midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 16, 2024.
Barcelona desperate to sign Erling Haaland
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is willing to do everything in his power to sign Erling Haaland in 2025 or the year after, according to SPORT. The Catalans have enjoyed a blistering start to life under Hansi Flick this season.
The German manager has taken his team to the top of the league table and is playing free-flowing attractive football. However, with Robert Lewandowski already in the final phase of his career, the LaLiga giants are also planning for the future.
Barcelona have already identified Erling Haaland as the ideal candidate to replace the Polish striker. The Norwegian has been outstanding for Manchester City since arriving at the Etihad in the summer of 2022.
Haaland has registered 101 goals and 14 assists from 108 games for the Premier League champions. The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and want him at Camp Nou next summer or in 2026. However, they will have to address their finances before they can secure a move.
Catalans worried about Frenkie de Jong's future
Barcelona are worried that Frenkie de Jong will see out his contract and leave for free in 2026, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Dutch midfielder recently returned from an injury lay-off and his future has become the talk of the town.
De Jong has long been linked with a move away from Camp Nou, but ended up staying with the Catalans. However, his contract with the LaLiga giants expires in 2026 and he is yet to agree to a new deal.
Hansi Flick is reportedly a fan of the player and wants him to stay. However, the 27-year-old is yet to respond to Barcelona's renewal offer, which was placed on the table last year.
The Catalans remain keen to reach an agreement with the player's camp before the end of this season. If the Dutchman continues to stall a new deal, the club will consider cashing in on him next summer.
Nico Williams opens up on his future
Nico Williams has remained coy about his future amid continued links with Barcelona. The Catalans were eager to sign the 22-year-old this summer, but failed to get a deal across the line.
Despite a blistering start to life under Hansi Flick, the LaLiga giants have retained their interest in Williams. Barcelona could return for the Spaniard at the end of this season, although they will have to get their finances in order to script a deal.
Speaking recently, as cited by Sky Sports, Williams insisted that he is happy at Athletic Bilbao.
“I’m not thinking about that right now. The [Athletic Bilbao] fans are very happy that I’m staying here and I’m very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I’m very happy. I’ve always had things very clear and I think people see that," Williams said.
He continued:
“I think I’m doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that [Europa League] final in San Mames that excites us so much. That’s the only thing that matters now."
He concluded:
“In the end, you have to live with it (transfer talk). Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, the media, the players… and there is always noise. It is neither bad nor good, it is what it is and it does not affect my performance. I continue doing the same job that I have done until now.”
Williams won the Copa del Rey with the Basque club last season and powered Spain to the Euro 2024 title over the summer.