Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans face competition for Vitor Reis, club made no move for former duo, and more - September 6, 2024
Barcelona are at the top of the pile in La Liga after four wins in four games. The Catalans have enjoyed a blistering start to the new season under Hansi Flick, who took charge at Camp Nou this summer.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants are locked in a three-way battle for Brazilian prodigy Vitor Reis. Elsewhere, the club made no efforts to sign two former players this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 6, 2024.
Barcelona face competition for Vitor Reis
Barcelona will face competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid for the services of Vitor Reis, according to Fichajes.net. The Palmeiras defender has caught the eye of clubs across Europe following some impressive recent displays.
The Catalans burnt their fingers with a move for Vitor Roque but that hasn't stopped them from exploring the South American market. They have now set their eyes on Vitor Reis, who is apparently keen to move to Europe soon.
The 18-year-old has admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu and Anfield as well, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also keeping track of his progress. However, the La Liga duo have maintained a consistent interest in the Brazilian and are leading the race for now.
Los Blancos have enjoyed great success in the South American market in recent times, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Endrick in their ranks. Reis is under contract with Palmeiras until 2028 and the club will only let him go for a considerable fee. Barcelona's poor financial situation, as such, could put them on the backfoot in the race.
Catalans made no move for former duo
Barcelona made no efforts to sign Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo this summer, according to MARCA. Both players spent last season on loan at Camp Nou and had a decent stay.
It was believed that the Catalans would bring them back over the summer. Hansi Flick was apparently keen to add Felix to his kitty as he believed that the 24-year-old would add another dimension to his attack.
The La Liga giants were also eager to bring back Cancelo, their primary right-back target for the summer. Due to their poor finances, Barcelona were expected to push for a loan deal for both players.
However, they failed to submit an official offer for either in the summer transfer window. Felix ultimately sealed a permanent transfer to Chelsea, while Cancelo opted to join Al-Hilal.
Pedri opens up on Dani Olmo
Pedri recently revealed that he talked to Dani Olmo regarding a move to Barcelona during Euro 2024. Olmo, 26, joined the Catalans from RB Leipzig this summer and has integrated well into Hansi Flick's tactics.
There were initial concerns about whether Pedri and Olmo could play together for the La Liga giants. However, those have been put to bed, with the two already building up a partnership on the pitch.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Pedri was full of praise for his countryman.
“Yes, the truth is that we were talking about it in the summer, that he should come, that I wanted to play with him. It’s a privilege. I think he’s had two spectacular games. I already knew the quality he had, which people hadn’t seen so much of," Pedri said.
He continued:
“Yes, we already knew that (we can play together). We also played here together with Luis Enrique in the national team. When we play together we understand each other very well and we knew that it was not a problem. He has a lot of magic, especially when he turns between the lines, I love it. It is a pleasure to play alongside him.”
Olmo has already scored two goals in his two games for Barcelona this season.