Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Luis Diaz boost, club offered chance to sign PSG star, and more - August 16, 2024
Barcelona are working to add more quality to Hansi Flick's roster before the end of this transfer window. The German manager has already roped in Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig this summer.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have received a boost in their efforts to sign Luis Diaz. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have been offered the chance to sign a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 16, 2024.
Barcelona receive Luis Diaz boost
Liverpool are willing to cash in on Luis Diaz this summer, according to journalist Pipe Sierra. The Colombian forward has been linked with a move to Barcelona for a while and the Catalans are ready to reignite their interest in the player.
The La Liga giants are still looking for attacking reinforcements this summer. Hansi Flick was eager to take Nico Williams to Camp Nou this year, but the Spaniard has apparently decided to stay put at Athletic Bilbao.
The German manager has identified Diaz as a possible alternative for the 22-year-old. It has previously been reported that the Colombian dreams of joining Barcelona and the club hope to grant his wish this year.
Liverpool are apparently willing to let Diaz go after recent renewal talks failed to be productive. The 27-year-old is valued at €75 million, but the Merseyside club could let him go for €60-65m.
That could be music to the Catalans' ears. The La Liga giants were hoping to get a deal done for Nico Williams for around €62 million and could have the funds to get Diaz.
Catalans offered chance to sign Danilo Pereira
Barcelona have been offered the chance to secure the services of Danilo Pereira this summer, according to club insider Gerard Romero. The Catalans are in the market for a defensive midfielder this year following Oriol Romeu's return to Girona.
The La Liga giants recently attempted to bring N'Golo Kante back to Europe from Saudi Arabia. However, Al Ittihad have refused to let him go this summer, prompting Hansi Flick to pursue alternate targets.
Superagent Jorge Mendes has offered Danilo's services to solve the issue. The Portuguese midfielder is no longer part of Luis Enrique's plans at PSG and will be allowed to leave this year.
Danilo's contract at the Parc des Princes expires in 2025 and he is likely to be available for a nominal fee this summer. The finances of the deal will appeal to Barcelona, but there's an inherent risk associated with the move. The 32-year-old is in the final phase of his career and could struggle to come to terms with the rigors of La Liga.
Nico Williams settled at Athletic Bilbao, says club director
Nico Williams remains settled at Athletic Bilbao, according to club director Mikel Gonzalez. The Spanish forward has been subject to an intense pursuit from Barcelona this year.
The Catalans were confident of securing the 22-year-old's services at one point this summer. However, the player has apparently decided against a move away from San Mames this summer.
While he has yet to officially convey his message to his suitors, it is now believed that a move to Barcelona is almost unlikely this year. Nevertheless, the Catalans have refused to give up in the chase and are reportedly still pushing for the Spaniard.
Speaking recently to Movistar, Gonzalez refused to indulge in rumors about Williams' exit.
“Nico has a contract until 2027, he already renewed last season. He is very happy at the club, he is a great player and he has proved it at the European Championship,” said Gonzalez.
He continued:
“He has shown that you can achieve the maximum at Athletic and at the national team level. There has been a lot of noise, which you never like when they talk about your players, but when you have players of Nico’s level, it’s normal for these things to happen.”
Bilbao recently handed Williams the No. 10 shirt in a bid to keep him at the club.