Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Liverpool ace, club want Nico Williams in 2025, and more - September 25, 2024
Barcelona welcome Getafe to the Estadi Olimpic lluis Companys on Wednesday, September 25, in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team have won all six games in the league this season, their third-best start to a league campaign.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are interested in a Liverpool goalkeeper. Elsewhere, the Spanish team are planning to return for Nico Williams in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 25, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Alisson
Barcelona have identified Alisson Becker as a possible replacement for the injured Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at Camp Nou, according to Fichajes. The German goalkeeper suffered an unfortunate knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.
Ter Stegen has since undergone surgery to address the issue and is unlikely to play again this season. This is a huge setback for the Catalans, who don't have much confidence in backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena.
The Spanish giants are scouting the market for options and have Alisson on their wish list. The Brazilian custodian has been integral to Liverpool's recent success but with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive next summer, Alisson could be allowed to leave.
Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the 31-year-old situation and could move for him in 2025.
Catalan giants want Nico Williams in 2025
Barcelona are planning to return for Nico Williams at the end of this season, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward was a priority target for the Catalans this summer, but a move failed to materialize.
There have been contrasting reports about the saga. Some have suggested that the player turned down a move to Camp Nou to stay with Athletic Bilbao.
However, it has also been reported that Williams had given his green signal to the transfer but Barcelona's poor finances played spoilsport. Nevertheless, Barca are working to address their monetary situation and are apparently close to attaining the 1:1 La Liga Rule.
As such, Barcelona still harbor dreams of signing the 22-year-old and are planning to return for him next summer. However, Williams is a wanted man after helping Spain lift Euro 2024 and there could be a melee for his services in 2025.
Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in him this year and could re-enter the race next summer.
Marc Bernal agreed to extend stay at Camp Nou
Marc Bernal has agreed to a new contract with Barcelona, according to Jijantes FC. The Spanish midfielder is the latest talent to emerge from La Masia, exploding into the scenes under Hansi Flick this season.
The La Liga giants have failed to sign a replacement for Sergio Busquets after he left the club in 2023. However, Bernal immediately drew comparisons with the legendary midfielder, thanks to his style of play.
Unfortunately, the 17-year-old picked up an ACL injury in the dying minutes of the win against Rayo Vallecano in the third league game of the season. He had started all three games for the Catalans by then and already looked promising.
The Spaniard remains sidelined for the rest of the campaign, but the club consider him an integral part of their plans. They have now offered him an improved contract until 2026. Once Bernal turns 18 next May, this deal will automatically be extended for another three years.
The final details are expected to be sorted by the end of this week. The Spaniard's new deal will contain a €500m release clause, further highlighting his importance to Barcelona.