Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Copa America star, Fenerbahce want Spanish ace, and more - July 5, 2024
Barcelona decided to put their trust in Hansi Flick after parting ways with Xavi at the end of last season. The German tactician has taken up the challenge of getting the Catalans back to the top next season.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are interested in a Uruguayan winger. Elsewhere, Fenerbahce have set their sights on a Spanish forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 5, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Maxi Araujo
Barcelona have identified Maxi Araujo as a possible alternative to Nico Williams, according to El Chiringuito. The Catalans are eager to upgrade their attack this summer and have identified the Spaniard as a priority target.
Williams was outstanding for Athletic Bilbao in the 2023/24 campaign, registering eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions. He has been equally decisive for La Roja at Euro 2024 and is a wanted man this year.
However, the 21-year-old reportedly has a €58m release clause which makes it difficult for the La Liga giants to complete a move. As such, Barcelona are scouting the market for alternatives and have found their man in Maxi Araujo.
The Uruguayan operates on the left wing for Mexican side Toluca and has been quite impressive of late. The 24-year-old has also caught the eye at Copa America, prompting Catalans' sporting director Deco to keep him under close watch. Araujo could be a cheaper alternative to Williams and is likely to be available for €20m.
Fenerbahce want Ansu Fati
Fenerbahce have entered the race to sign Ansu Fati this summer, according to SPORT. The Spaniard spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, and failed to strike a chord at the Amex.
His future remains up in the air at the moment, and Barcelona are reportedly considering letting him go. Once thought of as the heir to Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, Fati was even handed the fabled No. 10 jersey following the Argentinean maestro's departure.
However, that turned out to be a premature decision, with the shirt weighing heavily on the 21-year-old. Injuries and lack of form hurt his development and he is now a forgotten man at the club.
Fati has the chance for a fresh start under Hansi Flick, provided that he can impress the German manager in pre-season. However, Fenerbahce are now offering him a chance at redemption.
The Turkish side's sporting director, Mario Branco has already been in touch with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, as well as Deco to discuss a move. Jose Mourinho has taken charge at Fenerbahce and wants to add Fati to his squad.
Lamine Yamal compared to Neymar by teammate
Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz believes Lamine Yamal has a lot of similarities with Neymar. The 16-year-old exploded into the scenes with Barcelona last season, registering seven goals and ten assists from 50 games.
Yamal has already been earmarked as a superstar for the future and has broken multiple records so far. He is currently with the Spanish national team at Euro 2024, where he has earned rave reviews for his efforts as well.
Speaking to SPORT, Ruiz stated that the teenager reminds him of Neymar.
“I think Lamine and Neymar are similar when it comes to driving the ball faster, although I think Lamine is more of a winger and Neymar liked to get in between and link. But they have many things in common because Lamine is doing things at the age of 16 that Neymar was doing at that age,” said Ruiz.
Recent reports have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are willing to offer €250m for the Spaniard.