Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Luis Diaz boost, club submit offer for English ace, and more - July 1, 2024
Barcelona are looking to get back to their heydays under the tutelage of Hansi Flick next season. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou at the end of May as Xavi's replacement.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have received some good news in their pursuit of Luis Diaz. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have submitted their opening offer for an English winger.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 1, 2024.
Barcelona receive Luis Diaz boost
Barcelona have received a boost in their efforts to take Luis Diaz to Camp Nou this summer. According to Liverpool Echo, the Reds are planning to offload the Colombian and replace him with Antony Gordon.
The Catalans are long-term admirers of Diaz and remain keen to secure his services this year. Club sporting manager Deco is looking to upgrade the attack over the summer and has his eyes on the 27-year-old.
Diaz registered 13 goals and five assists from 51 games across competitions in 2023-24 and was a first-team regular under Jurgen Klopp. It was previously believed that the Merseyside club wouldn't consider his exit this year.
However, Liverpool have set their sights on Newcastle United's Gordon and want him at Anfield before the start of the new campaign. They are even willing to let Diaz leave to accommodate the Englishman.
The Colombian forward's father had previously revealed his son's desire to play for Barcelona. A move, as such, could materialize this summer. However, the Reds will let Diaz leave for £50m, which could pose a problem due to the Catalans' poor finances.
Catalans submit offer for Jaden Philogene
Barcelona have submitted a loan offer for Jaden Philogene, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The English winger enjoyed a fruitful 2023-24 campaign with Hull City, registering 12 goals and six assists from 32 games in the Championship.
Recent reports have suggested that his efforts have convinced the Catalans, who are plotting to take him to Camp Nou this summer. Plettenberg says the La Liga giants have already made their move, submitting their opening offer for the 22-year-old.
Barcelona have proposed a one-year loan deal with an obligation to buy for €20-23m, depending on preset conditions like game time. The Catalans are keen to sign a left forward this summer and have their eyes on Nico Williams and Luis Diaz.
However, their poor finances make it hard to complete a blockbuster deal, forcing the club to seek alternatives. Philogene has emerged as a fine option, but the La Liga giants will face competition from Everton and Tottenham Hotspur for the Englishman.
Hansi Flick wants Joshua Kimmich
Hansi Flick is eager to be reunited with Joshua Kimmich at Barcelona this summer, according to SPORT. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou at the end of the last season and is looking for a new defensive midfielder.
Flick has identified his former player as the ideal candidate for the job. Kimmich is in the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet. The 29-year-old could be available for a cut-price deal this summer, which also suits the Catalans' finances.
The La Liga giants are also linked with Everton's Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Flick believes Kimmich will be the ideal fit for his tactics, but will face stiff competition for his countryman's services this summer.
The German midfielder is willing to move to Camp Nou, although his wage demands could pose a problem. Kimmich reportedly wants a salary in the range of €20m per year, which is likely to be a dealbreaker for Barcelona.