Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Jonathan Tah boost, club planning mass exodus in 2025, and more - September 8, 2024
Barcelona return to action in a week's time, when they lock horns with Girona in La Liga on September 15. Hansi Flick's team have been flawless this season, picking up four wins in their four games so far.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have received a boost in their efforts to secure the services of Jonathan Tah. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are planning a mass exodus in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 8, 2024.
Barcelona receive Jonathan Tah boost
Jonathan Tah has confirmed that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen in 2025. The 28-year-old defender has been outstanding for the German champions in recent times.
Tah was crucial to Leverkusen's Bundesliga triumph last season, but is already in the final year of his contract. Barcelona were plotting a cut-price move for the German this summer, but failed to get a deal across the line.
The Catalans remain keen for defensive reinforcements, but have their hands tied due to their financial issues. However, the La Liga giants have been handed an opportunity to get their man for free next summer.
Speaking to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, as cited by Barca Universal, Tah insisted that he is ready for a new challenge in 2025.
“No, my decision remains unchanged. I will not renew my contract. My current deal runs until 2025, and I will give my all for Leverkusen until then. A football career is short, and I want to make the most of my opportunities. I believe it’s time to explore new challenges, especially after such a successful season,” said Tah.
Barcelona could face competition from Bayern Munich for the German defender.
Catalans planning mass exodus in 2025
Barcelona are planning to offload four players next year, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Catalans have already decided that they will cash in on Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen in 2025.
The La Liga giants' financial situation has shown no signs of improvement and they are likely to turn to player sales to address the issue. De Jong is yet to feature this season as he battles fitness issues and is one of the highest earners at Camp Nou.
He was previously wanted at Manchester United and Barcelona will move him on next summer. Araujo, meanwhile, was an integral part of Xavi's starting XI last season but is now sidelined with an injury as well. Bayern Munich and the Red Devils are known admirers of the player and could have an opportunity to get their hands on the Uruguayan in 2025.
Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia are out with injuries as well and are apparently no longer part of Hansi Flick's plans. They will also be allowed to leave at the end of this season.
Pau Victor opens up on permanent stay at Camp Nou
Pau Victor has insisted that he always wanted to stay at Barcelona following an impressive loan spell. The Spaniard initially joined Barca Athletic last season on loan from Girona and the Catalans opted to sign him permanently this summer.
The La Liga giants turned to Victor as a cost-effective option to bolster their attack in a summer where they failed to get their primary targets. With Vitor Roque offloaded to Real Betis on loan, the 22-year-old could be an understudy to Robert Lewandowski this season.
Speaking to Barca One,Victor also expressed his gratitude to Hansi Flick.
“It was a week that I will always remember. I came with the mentality of proving that I could stay here. They never raised the possibility of going out on loan, but you always think that maybe you are not at the level, or maybe they will pass you by. That week served to prove to myself that I could be here,” said Victor.
He continued:
“I will always remember it with gratitude to Flick, who spoke to me from the first day and told me what he wanted from me. He told me that he was very happy that I was in the team and that he trusted me. It was a short talk, but we are getting to know each other.”
Victor is under contract with Barcelona until 2029.