Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing PSV ace, Chelsea end Jules Kounde pursuit, and more - September 22, 2024
Barcelona travel to El Madrigal on Sunday, September 22, to face Villarreal in La Liga. Hansi Flick will be desperate to keep his league record intact following the midweek defeat to Monaco in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a PSV Eindhoven midfielder. Elsewhere, Chelsea have ended their pursuit of Jules Kounde.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 22, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing PSV ace
Barcelona are interested in PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten, according to The Daily Briefing. The Catalans remain in the market for a new pivot midfielder and have found an able option for the job in the Dutchman.
Schouten has caught the eye with PSV of late and has been a regular feature in their midfield this season. The 27-year-old has appeared six times across competitions and found the back of the net once.
The La Liga giants are convinced by his efforts and see him as a suitable fit for their squad. Barcelona are yet to sign a proper replacement for Sergio Busquets, although they have unearthed another gem from their academy in Marc Bernal.
However, the young Spaniard is out with a long-term injury and his absence has highlighted the lack of cover in the squad for the position. Schouten could be a fine option for the job, but pricing him away from the Philips Stadium won't be a walk in the park.
The player is under contract with the Eredivisie side until 2028. PSV reportedly want €35m to let the Dutchman go, which, given the Catalans' poor finances, could be a challenge. There's also interest in Schouten from the Premier League, which could further complicate matters for the La Liga giants.
Chelsea end Jules Kounde pursuit
Chelsea have pulled the plug on their plans to sign Jules Kounde, according to SPORT. It was initially reported that the Frenchman has been identified as the perfect replacement for Reece James at Stamford Bridge.
Kounde has enjoyed a stellar start to the new campaign with Barcelona. He has started all six games, playing every minute, and has registered a goal and an assist. The Blues were previously planning to move for the 25-year-old in the winter transfer window, but have now shelved their plans.
The London giants believe that the player has no desire to leave Camp Nou. Moreover, pricing him away could be a costly affair, with the Catalans likely to demand more than €60m for their priced asset. Chelsea have now identified Fiorentina's Michael Kayode as a cheaper alternative.
Ilkay Gundogan opens up on time with the Catalans
Ilkay Gundogan has insisted that he has no regrets about his time with Barcelona. The German midfielder arrived at the club in the summer of 2023 as a free agent at the end of his contract with Manchester City.
Gundogan enjoyed a terrific campaign with the La Liga giants, scoring five goals and setting up 14 more from 50 games. However, he left the club this summer to return to the Etihad as a free agent.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, the 33-year-old added that moving to Camp Nou helped him realise a childhood dream.
"I think I had a successful time at Barcelona. I mean apart from anything, I played for one of the biggest teams in the world. I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams, playing for Barca and wearing that badge,” said Gundogan.
He continued:
"I feel privileged to have played in Barcelona. In other circumstances, perhaps things would have been different. It was a hard experience, but also fantastic. So I don’t regret anything.”