Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans face competition for Jamal Musiala, Raphinha rejected €100m Saudi offer, and more - September 12, 2024
Barcelona are planning to get the better of Girona when the two sides clash at the Estadi Montilivi on Sunday, September 15, in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team has been in explosive form so far and the German will be determined to make it five wins in a row this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Catalans won't have an easy run at Jamal Musiala in 2025. Elsewhere, Raphinha turned down a colossal offer to move to the Middle East this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 12, 2024.
Barcelona face competition for Jamal Musiala
Barcalona will face competition from multiple clubs in the race for Jamal Musiala next summer, according to Fichajes.net. The German international will enter the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich next summer and is yet to agree to an extension.
The Catalans are already planning a cut-price move for the 21-year-old in 2025. The La Liga giants are under financial distress and Musiala's contract situation makes him an ideal target for the club.
The Bavarians are unlikely to give up without a fight, as they see him as a vital part of their future plans. However, if negotiations fail to reach a conclusive end, the Bundesliga giants could cash in on the German next summer.
Barcelona will be hoping that is the case, but they will face competition from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal for Musiala. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently stated that Bayern are likely to fight tooth and nail to keep their prized asset at the Allianz Arena.
Raphinha rejected €100m Saudi offer
Raphinha had no desire to leave Barcelona this summer, according to journalist Joaquim Piera. The Brazilian forward was a wanted man in the recent transfer window and generated interest from multiple clubs.
There was reported interest from Arsenal, while the 27-year-old was also wanted in the Middle East. Raphinha dropped down the pecking order under Xavi last season following Lamine Yamal's emergence.
Al-Hilal apparently tried to prise him away this summer by submitting a €100m offer for the Brazilian. The Saudi club even offered the Brazilian a four-year contract with an annual salary of €25m
The Catalans were ready to accept the proposal, given their poor financial situation. However, Raphinha refused to leave as he wanted to prove his worth to the La Liga giants.
It has proven to be a wise decision, because the 27-year-old has been on fire under Hansi Flick this season. Raphinha has started all four games for Barcelona, scoring three goals and setting up three more.
Catalans planning Fermin Lopez contract renewal
Barcelona are planning to hand Fermin Lopez an improved contract, according to SPORT. The La Maria graduate enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign with the Catalans, scoring 11 times in 42 games for the senior side.
While Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi stole the limelight, Lopez was equally decisive for the La Liga giants. The 21-year-old went on to help Spain win Gold at the Paris Olympics, scoring six goals and setting up two more from six games.
His efforts have already earned him admirers across the continent and forced Barcelona into action. Lopez is already under contract at Camp Nou until 2027, and has a €400m release clause in his deal. However, the Catalans want to reward him with an improved deal that signifies his importance to the club.