Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans identify Nico Williams alternative, club urged to improve Dani Olmo offer, and more - August 5, 2024
Barcelona finished second in the La Liga table last season, 10 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans have since roped in former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick to get them back to the top.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have identified a Bayern Munich forward as a possible alternative to Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have been advised to submit an improved offer for Dani Olmo.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 5, 2024.
Barcelona identify Nico Williams alternative
Barcelona have identified Bryan Zaragoza as a possible alternative to Nico Williams this summer, according to SPORT. The Athletic Bilbao forward has emerged as a priority target for the Catalans this summer, but a move appears unlikely at the moment.
Williams was outstanding for the Basque club last season, helping them win the Copa del Rey. He also played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. Barcelona are pushing to sign the player, but recent reports have suggested that he has decided to stay at San Mames for now.
The developments could be a huge blow to the Catalans' plans, but they have identified Zaragoza as a failsafe option. The Spaniard joined Bayern Munich in January this year from Granada but has failed to strike a chord at the Allianz Arena.
Barcelona have been monitoring the 22-year-old for a while and believe that he can be a hit at the Camp Nou. The Bavarians are willing to let him go this summer, but the Catalans could face competition from Girona for his signature.
Catalans urged to improve Dani Olmo offer by Marco Rose
RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has urged Dani Olmo's suitors to respect the player's valuation. The Spanish midfielder has been in top form for club and country of late and is expected to be on the move this summer.
Barcelona have apparently identified him as a top target this year and are pushing to secure a move. Recent reports have suggested that the 26-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Catalans. However, the La Liga giants are yet to agree to a deal with their Bundesliga counterparts.
Leipzig have reportedly rejected Barcelona's initial offer for Olmo. The Catalans have now returned with an improved proposal which is closer to the German club's demands.
Speaking recently, as cited by 90 Min, Rose pointed out that Olmo's suitors must match Leipzig's expectations to get their man.
“The player has value. He earned it with us. He has developed brilliantly. Everyone knows what Dani Olmo can do. Accordingly, everyone must be clear about his value and under what conditions the club might be willing to talk,” said Rose.
He continued:
“I think it is also important for Dani that he is shown his worth and knows it. And the club that absolutely wants him should then also do justice to the value of Dani Olmo.”
Rose also hinted that the Bundesliga club are willing to continue with Olmo if a move doesn't happen according to their terms.
“Dani has an incredible value for us – as a player and as a person. We are under no pressure to sell him. As things stand today, we expect Dani to return to us after his Euro vacation. Everything else remains to be seen,” said Rose
Olmo is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2027.
Pau Victor living his dream
Pau Victor has promised to give his all on the pitch for Barcelona. The Spanish striker initially joined the club on loan from Girona last summer and was quite impressive for the youth side.
His efforts prompted the Catalans to make his stay permanent this year. The 22-year-old repaid that faith by scoring a brace against Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly, helping his team to a 2-1 win.
Speaking after the game, the Spaniard insisted that he is living his dream with Barcelona.
“If you told me a year ago that I would be scoring twice against Courtois in a Clásico in the United States, I wouldn’t have believed you. I am very proud of what I’m doing, I’ve dreamed about this moment all my life. I’ll continue to give everything, I’ll give my all in every training session," said Victor.
He continued:
“One of the thing Flick values in me is I can play in all three positions in attack. My favorite position is central striker, but I’ll give everything in any position.”
Victor could turn out to be Hansi Flick's trump card this season, with the German manager appearing unlikely to sign Nico Williams.