Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Ligue 1 ace, Alejandro Garnacho wants Camp Nou move, and more - October 8, 2024
Barcelona are leading the La Liga title race after nine games, three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's team have won eight games and lost one in the league so far.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in a Ligue 1 striker. Elsewhere, Alejandro Garnacho is ready to move to Camp Nou in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 8, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Jonathan David
Barcelona have set their sights on Jonathan David, according to Todo Fichajes. The Catalans are looking for a low-cost replacement for Robert Lewandowski and have identified the Canadian striker as an option.
David's contract with Lille is due to expire at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The 24-year-old has scored eight goals and set up two more from 13 games across competitions this season for the Ligue 1 club.
Lewandowski, meanwhile, has also been on fire for the La Liga giants, already having scored 12 goals in 11 games. However, the Pole will turn 37 next year and Barcelona are laying down succession plans for the player.
The Catalans want to bring in David to cover for and eventually replace Lewandowski at Camp Nou. The veteran striker's contract with the club expires next summer, but it will be automatically renewed until 2026 if he registers a predefined number of appearances this season.
While the opportunity to sign David on a Bosman move is a lucrative prospect, securing his services won't be easy. The player is also being eyed by Arsenal, although it appears that the Gunners may have balked at his wage demands.
Alejandro Garnacho wants Camp Nou move
Alejandro Garnacho has offered his services to Barcelona, according to Football 365 via reports in Spain. The Argentinean forward is apparently fed up with Erik ten Hag and wants to leave Manchester United in 2025.
Garnacho has gone from strength to strength with the Red Devils in recent times. Last season, the 20-year-old registered ten goals and five assists from 50 games across competitions.
Garnacho, however, has failed to cement his place in Erik ten Hag's side this season, starting four of seven games in the league so far. He is frustrated by the situation and with the Dutchman's future up in the air, the player's camp have already reached out to Barcelona.
However, the Catalans are not interested in the Argentinean winger. The La Liga giants are under financial distress and have to be careful about the money they spend on the market. They are aware that Garnacho is likely to cost a fat fee, as he is under contract with Manchester United until 2028.
Robert Lewandowski opens up on recent form
Robert Lewandowski believes his good form is a result of a collective effort from the Barcelona team. The Polish striker has been in explosive form under Hansi Flick so far, scoring 12 goals and setting up two more from 11 games across competitions. His efforts have powered the club to the top of the league and helped them win nine of their 11 games across competitions so far.
Speaking to the press, as cited by Barca Universal, Lewandowski credited the team for his good form.
“Personally, I don’t think what I’m doing this season is surprising. In fact, I think it’s getting harder to surprise you, but it seems like I’m still able to do it, which is nice,” Lewandowski said.
He continued:
“For me, individual improvement comes from collective improvement. The team is performing well and we are scoring a lot of goals, which makes us all look better. Working as part of this team contributes to my personal improvement.”
Lewandowski scored a hat-trick over the weekend to help Barcelona register a 3-0 win over Alaves.