Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Bayern Munich duo, club attempted late Rafael Leao move, and more - September 13, 2024
Barcelona will travel to the Estadio Montilivi on Sunday (September 15) to face Girona in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team have won all four games this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in two German midfielders who play for Bayern Munich. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants wanted AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 13, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka
According to journalist Jordi Gil, Barcelona have Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka on their wish list for 2025. The Catalans are hoping to revamp their midfield next summer and a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets is on their agenda.
The legendary Spaniard left Camp Nou at the end of his contract in 2023 and moved to Inter Miami. The La Liga giants initially brought in Oriol Romeu to fill his shoes, but he failed to meet expectations.
The 32-year-old returned to Girona this summer - on loan - and Barcelona failed to sign a replacement. They have had their eyes on Kimmich for ages, as he could be the perfect candidate for the job.
The German has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't agreed to an extension so far. However, there's likely to be intense competition for the 29-year-old's services, which is why the Catalans are keeping their options open.
The La Liga giants also have their eyes on Kimmich's teammate Goretzka, whose contract expires in 2026. Gil added that Paris Saint-German (PSG) midfielder Fabian Ruiz is on Hansi Flick's radar as well.
Catalans attempted late Rafael Leao move
Barcelona wanted to sign Rafael Leao this summer, according to Bar Canaletes. The Spanish giants want a new forward this year and initially had their eyes on Nico Williams.
However, it was soon clear that the Spaniard wouldn't leave Athletic Bilbao, forcing the Catalans to pursue alternate candidates. Leao is a long-term target for the Camp Nou hierarchy and was identified as an option.
The Portuguese enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with AC Milan (15 goals and 14 assists in 47 games) and was a wanted man this summer. Even though the finances of a move were not in their favor, Barcelona attempted to secure the 25-year-old's services.
The Catalans apparently approached the La Liga board with a Memorandum of Understanding. They outlined their plans to sign a deal with Nike which would enable them to sign Leao and stay within the Financial Fair Play margin. However, it was rejected by the league and the deal failed to materialize.
Barcelona were offered chance to sign Danilo Pereira
Barcelona were offered a chance to take Danilo Pereira to Camp Nou this summer, according to Catalunya Radio. The La Liga giants failed to secure most of their priority targets in the transfer window due to their financial issues.
They explored cost-effective options in the final days of the summer and had Pereira on their radar. The Portuguese is capable of playing in midfield as well as the backline and could have been a fine addition to Hansi Flick's squad.
Pereira was no longer indispensable for PSG, who were willing to let him go. His agent Jorge Mendes suggested a swap deal for the 33-year-old that would have seen Eric Garcia move to the Park des Princes.
However, Flick refused to let the Spaniard leave, as he wanted him in the squad. Garcia was also wanted back in Girona, but the Catalans opted to hold on to him.