Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing PSG ace, Brazilian star wants to stay, and more - July 10, 2024
Barcelona finished second behind Real Madrid last season and have since parted ways with former manager Xavi. Hansi Flick has been appointed as the Spaniard's successor and the German tactician is working to improve his squad this summer.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder. Elsewhere, a Brazilian forward is eager to stay at Camp Nou despite being heavily linked with an exit this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 10, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has turned heads at Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona are still looking for Sergio Busquets' long-term replacement. The Spanish midfielder left the club last summer, moving to MLS side Inter Miami as a free agent.
The Catalans opted to rope in Oriol Romeu as his replacement but the former Girona midfielder failed to live up to the billing. Romeu is already linked with an exit from Camp Nou this summer as the club continue their search for a new midfielder.
Ugarte has popped up on Barca's radar following a decent debut campaign with PSG. Arriving from Sporting last summer, the Uruguayan registered 37 appearances across competitions for the Ligue 1 champions in the 2023-24 season.
The midfielder has also been in excellent form for La Celeste at Copa America, but it apparently hasn't been enough to convince Luis Enrique. The Spanish manager has already sanctioned the 23-year-old's departure from the Parc des Princes.
The La Liga giants are keeping a close eye on the situation although their poor financial situation could hamper a deal. PSG are likely to demand above €60m for the Uruguayan, which could make him out of reach for Barcelona.
The Catalans will also face competition from Manchester City and Manchester United for his signature.
Vitor Roque wants to stay at Camp Nou
Vitor Roque remains determined to fight for his place at Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou from Athletico Paranaense in January. Initially earmarked as Robert Lewandowski's potential successor, Vitor Roque has been a disappointment so far.
The 19-year-old failed to break into Xavi's first team last season, registering two goals from 16 games, of which only two were starts. He remains heavily linked with an exit this summer.
Despite his struggles, the player remains highly rated in the European circuit and isn't short of suitors at the moment. It was previously stated that the Catalans would consider offers for the 19-year-old this summer.
However, it has recently been reported that new manager Hansi Flick wants to assess Vitor Rowue in pre-season before making a decision on his future. The player remains keen to impress the German and is not thinking of an exit.
However, the Brazilian remains unregistered ahead of the new season. As such, unless the La Liga giants improve their finances, they may be forced to consider an exit this summer.
Catalans set Raphinha price tag
Barcelona are ready to listen to offers for Raphinha this summer, according to The Athletic. The Brazilian forward dropped down the pecking order last season following the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
However, Raphinha still managed ten goals and 13 assists from 37 games across competitions. The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and would ideally like him to stay at the club.
However, the La Liga giants are still facing financial problems and will have to turn to player sales to raise funds this summer. As such, they have reluctantly slapped a €60m asking price on Raphinha's head.
There's no dearth of interest in the Brazilian, especially from the Premier League, thanks to his stint with Leeds United. Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and are reportedly considering a move this summer.