Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans offered chance to sign French ace, club urged to target Euro 2024 star, and more - July 3, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to start anew next season under the tutelage of Hansi Flick. The former Bayern Munich manager took charge at Camp Nou at the end of May and is already working to improve his squad.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have been offered the chance to sign a French midfielder this summer. Elsewhere, Barca have been urged by a club legend to target an Athletic Bilbao forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 3, 2024.
Barcelona offered a chance to sign Adrien Rabiot
Barcelona have been offered the chance to secure the services of Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Gerard Romero.
The French midfielder is a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Juventus.
Multiple clubs are lining up a move for the 29-year-old, who has started all four games for Les Bleus at Euro 2024 so far. The Catalan giants are looking for a new pivot midfielder this summer and have their eyes on Joshua Kimmich, Mikel Merino, and Amadou Onana.
However, none of them are likely to come cheap, which is an issue for the La Liga giants. Rabiot is also highly suited for the role and the player's agent has offered Barcelona the chance to sign him this summer.
However, the 29-year-old wants wages of €8m per year, which could also pose a problem for Barca. Manchester United are eyeing the player with interest and have the financial strength to win this race.
Catalan giants urged to target Nico Williams
Barcelona legend Rivaldo has urged the club to complete a move for Nico Williams this summer. The Spanish forward has earned rave reviews with his performances at Euro 2024 and has turned heads at multiple clubs across Europe.
Williams is coming off a fine 2023-24 campaign with Athletic Bilbao, helping them win the Copa del Rey. The 21-year-old finished the season with eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions.
The Catalans are already hot on his heels this summer. Hansi Flick wants to add more firepower to his frontline and Williams has emerged as an option. However, with the La Liga giants already under financial distress, the Spaniard's €58m release clause is threatening to ruin their plans.
However, speaking recently as relayed by SPORT, Rivaldo insisted that the 21-year-old is worth the money.
“Given the cost of his release clause and everything he has been doing, I think it is a very reasonable value,” said Rivaldo.
“He is a player who has stood out with his performances at Athletic Club this season and now he is doing incredibly well with Spain at the European Championship. He has everything to succeed at FC Barcelona, the club has to consider him,” he added.
Williams is also likely to demand a hefty pay package to move to Camp Nou.
Sergi Cardona ready to move to Camp Nou
Sergi Cardona has issued an update on his future. The Spanish left-back was a first-team regular for Girona in the 2023-24 campaign, registering one goal and two assists from 36 games.
The 24-year-old played a key role in the club's third-place finish in La Liga, but his contract expired at the end of June. Barcelona were linked with Cardona earlier this year, as a possible replacement for Marcos Alonso, who exited Camp Nou last weekend as a free agent. However, those rumors have dried up of late.
Speaking to journalist Gerard Romero, Cardona admitted that he is open to joining Barca.
“I always try to stay away from rumours during the season, but the fact that there have been rumours that Barça may have been interested in me is a tremendous source of pride and gives me tremendous strength,” said Cardona.
“We are taking the decision about my future calmly, there has been interest from several teams. For me, this holiday break is very important and now we have to start working on evaluating these different options,” he added,
Cardona's availability on a Bosman move could tempt Barcelona, who are looking for cost-effective options this summer.