Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans leading Dani Olmo race, Al-Hilal want Brazilian ace, and more - July 27, 2024
Barcelona are working to improve their squad as they look to get back to their best under Hansi Flick. The German manager took over from Xavi at Camp Nou at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are leading the race to sign Dani Olmo. Elsewhere, Al-Hilal are planning to take a Brazilian forward to the Middle East this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 27, 2024.
Barcelona leading race to sign Dani Olmo
Barcelona are the favorites to sign Dani Olmo this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Spanish midfielder is a wanted man this summer and is also being eyed by Manchester City.
However, the Premier League champions are yet to move for the 26-year-old, who is under contract with RB Leipzig until 2027. The Bundesliga club are willing to let Olmo leave for a fair price this summer and the Catalans are interested.
Hansi Flick is looking to improve his squad as he embarks on a new journey at Camp Nou. The German manager has reportedly identified the Spaniard as a target, but the La Liga giants remain focused on Nico Williams for now.
As such, City's interest in the player had emerged as a cause of concern for Barcelona. However, it now appears that the Blaugrana remains firmly in the driving seat in the race at the moment.
Al-Hilal want Vitor Roque according to Fabrizio Romano
Al-Hilal are in talks to sign Vitor Roque this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian forward arrived at Barcelona at the start of this year but has failed to live up to expectations.
The 19-year-old was identified as a possible successor for Robert Lewandowski, who is already in the final phase of his career. However, Vitor Roque has failed to live up to expectations and endured a difficult time under Xavi.
With the Spanish manager gone, the Brazilian is likely to get a second chance under Hansi Flick. However, the Catalans have been offered the chance to cash in on the teenager this summer.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Al-Hilal are keen to take Vitor Roque to Saudi Arabia.
“This is an important topic; Vitor Roque. Al-Hilal have made contact with Barcelona and with the camp of the player, and they are prepared to start the negotiation with Barça. It’s not correct to say that there is already an agreement between Al-Hilal and Barça, but there are contacts ongoing between the clubs, and Al-Hilal are really interested in Vitor Roque,” wrote Romano.
Romano also provided an update on the La Liga giants' pursuit of Nico Williams, who is likely to leave Athletic Bilbao this summer.
“Barca want Nico Williams as their absolute priority and all of their efforts are going into trying to get a deal done. They’re waiting for Nico’s final approval and for La Liga to give the green light to the deal, so it could be announced at any moment. Dani Olmo remains very appreciated by Barça, but he will only be discussed after the Nico story is clarified,” wrote Romano.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona are ready to trigger Williams' €58m release clause.
Aston Villa eyeing Joao Felix claims Fabrizio Romano.
Aston Villa are dreaming of taking Joao Felix to Villa Park this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese forward is back at Atletico Madrid after a mixed loan spell at Barcelona.
Felix registered ten goals and six assists from 44 games across competitions for the Catalans last season. The La Liga giants are pleased with his efforts and are considering bringing him back to Camp Nou.
However, the finances of a deal make a move complicated. Barcelona would prefer to sign him on another temporary move while Los Rojiblancos are looking for a permanent deal.
Villa have emerged as an alternate destination for the 24-year-old of late. Recent reports have suggested that Villa boss Unai Emery views Felix as a vital cog in his setup and is keen to take him back to England.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano warned that a deal is likely to cost a fortune.
“Aston Villa are dreaming of Joao Felix. He’s the ultimate target, especially for Unai Emery who’s a big fan of the player and he’d love to work with him. It’s still early, nothing advancing now, but one to watch. Let me clarify guys that it’s a complicated deal because it’s very expensive on fee and salary, but Villa want to try,” wrote Romano.
Felix already has experience of playing in the Premier League with Chelsea, making 24 appearances while on loan with the west London outfit.