Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Napoli ace, club leading Jonathan Tah race, and more - October 9, 2024
Barcelona have been very impressive under Hansi Flick's tutelage this season. The Catalans are leading the LaLiga title race after nine games, registering eight wins and scoring 28 goals.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Napoli midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are leading the race to sign Jonathan Tah.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 9, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Stanislav Lobotka
Hansi Flick has asked Barcelona to sign Stanislav Lobotka, according to Fichajes. The German manager has enjoyed a tremendous start to life at Camp Nou, winning nine of his 11 games in charge.
However, Flick remains keen to add more quality to his squad, especially in the middle of the park, and has set his sights on Lobotka. The Slovakian has been very impressive for Napoli in recent campaigns and has taken his game to a higher level this season under Antonio Conte.
Lobotka has registered nine appearances across competitions under the Italian manager, all of which have been starts. Interestingly, former Barca manager Xavi wanted the 29-year-old at Camp Nou and his successor is pushing to sign the player as well.
However, Lobotka is under contract with the Serie A side until 2027, so prising him away won't be easy. The LaLiga giants are already under financial distress and can afford top players only if the situation is resolved soon. However, Barcelona could also opt for a swap deal for the Slovakian involving the likes of Ferran Torres, Pablo Torre, and Eric Garcia.
Catalans leading Jonathan Tah race
Barcelona are among the favorites, alongside Bayern Munich, to sign Jonathan Tah next summer, according to SPORT.
The German defender is in the final year of his contract with Bayer Leverkusen and has already expressed a desire to leave. Tah is highly regarded in the European circuit after helping Xabi Alonso's team complete a domestic double last season.
With Ronald Araujo's future still uncertain, the Catalans are hoping to add Tah to their kitty. Club sporting director Deco is apparently a huge fan of the player and wants him at Camp Nou.
While it is almost certain that the 28-year-old will leave BayArena at the end of this season, his destination isn't decided yet. The LaLiga giants attempted to sign the player this summer without success but could finally get their man next year.
Barcelona want Tiago Santos
Barcelona are interested in Tiago Santos, according to SPORT. The Catalans were keen on bolstering their right-back position over the summer, but failed to secure a move for Joao Cancelo.
The club also had their eyes on Marc Pubill, but their poor finances spoiled all their plans. Hansi Flick has kept his trust in Jules Kounde for the right-back role for now, but wants a new right-back to provide cover for the position.
Tiago Santos has been identified as an option following an impressive run with Lille so far. This season, the 22-year-old has registered 13 appearances across competitions, setting up two goals.
The LaLiga giants have already scouted the player during their trips to watch Jonathan David. However, Santos is under contract with the Ligue 1 club until 2028, so securing his services won't be easy.