Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing N’Golo Kante, club suffer Nico Williams blow, and more - July 23, 2024
Barcelona are eyeing multiple targets this summer as they look to return to their prime under Hansi Flick. The German manager was roped in as Xavi's replacement at the end of May.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are interested in bringing N'Golo Kante back to Europe. Elsewhere, the Catalan giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Nico Williams this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 23, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing N’Golo Kante
Barcelona have set their sights on N'Golo Kante, according to SPORT.
The Catalans are still in the market for Sergio Busquets' replacement, with Oriol Romeu failing to live up to expectations.
They have identified multiple candidates for the job, including Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. However, securing their services has proven to be a challenge.
The situation has prompted the La Liga giants to consider alternatives and Kante has emerged as an option. The Frenchman left Chelsea last summer to join Al-Ittihad on a blockbuster deal. However, Kante's performances for Les Bleus at Euro 2024 highlighted that he still has a lot of football left in him.
The 33-year-old is a highly experienced operator who could be a fine fit in Hansi Flick's tactics. Barcelona are now considering a move for Kante, although they would prefer a loan deal.
Kante is open to a return to Europe, but the Catalans will face competition from West Ham United for his signature.
Catalan giants suffer Nico Williams blow
Athletic Bilbao are confident of keeping Nico Williams at San Mames beyond this summer, according to SPORT.
The Spanish forward signed a new deal with the Basque club last December but remains heavily linked with an exit this year.
Williams registered eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions last season, helping Bilbao lift the Copa del Rey. He played a key role in Spain's triumphant run at Euro 2024, scoring two goals and setting up one more in six games.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona have made him their priority this summer. The 22-year-old has shown signs of a budding relationship with Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024 and the Catalans want to unite the pair at club level.
The La Liga giants have agreed personal terms with the player ahead of the move. However, the club's poor financial condition makes a transfer difficult to complete.
Barcelona are working to address the issue, hoping to use player sales and other measures to return to La Liga's 1:1 rule. That would enable them to finance a move for Williams.
The player reportedly has a €58m release clause in his contract, but Athletic Bilbao are relaxed about the situation as they believe he will stay. Manager Ernesto Valverde recently insisted that the 22-year-old remains a key part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.
Joao Cancelo's move to Camp Nou remains uncertain
Barcelona could struggle to complete a move for Joao Cancelo this summer, according to journalist Carlos Carpio.
The Catalan giants are eager to bring the Portuguese back to Camp Nou this summer following a decent loan spell last season.
Cancelo registered four goals and five assists from 42 games across competitions but struggled for form in the later part of the campaign. However, the La Liga giants are pleased with his efforts and believe he will add value to their squad.
Hansi Flick reportedly sees the player as the ideal man for the right-back role, but Manchester City are posing a problem to their plans. The Premier League champions have no desire to sanction a second loan spell and would want the player to permanently leave the Etihad this summer.
They are willing to let Cancelo go for just €20m, with the player eager to return to Camp Nou. However, Barcelona do not have the finances to complete a deal and they are focusing all their energy on securing a move for Williams.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese's high wages also make a deal financially complex for the Spanish giants. Barca want to negotiate better terms with City, but they have struggled to convince their Premier League counterparts so far.