Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans face competition for Lille ace, PSG want Lamine Yamal, and more - October 6, 2024
Barcelona secured a 3-0 win over Alaves in La Liga at the Mendizorroza on Sunday, October 6. A Robert Lewandowski hat-trick marked another fruitful outing for Hansi Flick's team.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are not the only club eyeing a Canadian striker who plays for Lille. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are determined to wrestle Lamine Yamal away from Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 6, 2024.
Barcelona face competition for Jonathan David
According to SPORT, Barcelona will face competition from the Premier League for Jonathan David. The 24-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Lille and is likely to be available on a free transfer in 2025.
Barca are looking for cost-effective options in the market given their strained financial situation. A new No. 9 remains on their agenda despite Robert Lewandowski's rich goalscoring streak.
The Polish striker has scored 12 goals in 11 games across competitions this season but will turn 37 next August. The La Liga giants are already laying down succession plans for their talisman and have identified David as a candidate for the job.
However, the Canadian is also wanted in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United among his suitors. Given his contract situation, David could ignite a melee for his services next summer.
There's also interest from Serie A giants Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. The Canadian has scored eight goals and set up two more from 13 games across competitions for Lille this season.
PSG want Lamine Yamal
PSG are planning a blockbuster move for Lamine Yamal, according to Fichajes. The Spanish youngster exploded into the scenes last season at Barcelona and has already hit a higher gear this year.
Yamal has registered five goals and five assists from 11 outings across competitions under Hansi Flick. While his contract at Camp Nou runs until 2026, the Catalan giants are already working to tie him to a new and improved deal.
However, the player's performances have already caused a stir at multiple clubs across Europe. PSG have shifted their transfer strategy in recent times and are now targeting talented young footballers.
The Parisians roped in Bradley Barcola from Lyon in 2023, and Joao Neves from Benfica this summer. They have now set their sights on Yamal and will move for the Spaniard if he fails to reach an agreement with Barcelona regarding a new deal.
Barca monitoring Porto duo
Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Diogo Costa and Nico Gonzalez, according to journalist Miguel Rico. Barca sporting director Deco apparently scouted the duo during Porto's Europa League game against Manchester United in midweek.
The Catalans are in the market for a new goalkeeper, despite signing Wojciech Szczesny as Marc-Andre ter Stegen's short-time replacement. The German goalkeeper is out for the season after picking up a knee injury last month.
Ter Stegen is already on the wrong side of 30 and the La Liga giants have identified Costa as his long-term replacement. However, the Portuguese is under contract with Porto until 2027 and his reported €45m price tag could be a problem for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also keen to upgrade their midfielder next year, amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Frenkie de Jong. Nico Gonzalez, who rose through the ranks at La Masia, has emerged as a solution.
Barcelona apparently have the option to sign the Spanish midfielder for €30m. The 22-year-old has been impressive for Porto in an advanced role and has three goals and two assists from 10 games across competitions this season.