Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Mikel Merino boost, Ronald Araujo wants to stay, and more - June 22, 2024
Barcelona opted to part ways with Xavi last month after a poor 2023-24 campaign. Hansi Flick was appointed as his replacement last month and is now preparing to upgrade his squad ahead of the new season.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have received a boost in their efforts to sign Mikel Merino. Elsewhere, Ronald Araujo is not looking to exit Camp Nou this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 22, 2024.
Barcelona receive Mikel Merino boost
Barcelona have received a boost in their efforts to sign Mikel Merino this summer. According to El Chiringuito TV, renewal talks between the player's camp and Real Sociedad has broken down.
Merino's contract with the club expires in 2025 and he is already being courted by the Catalans. New manager Hansi Flick wants a new defensive midfielder this summer and is eyeing multiple targets for the job.
Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has admirers at Camp Nou, while Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has also turned heads at the club. However, Barcelona's poor financial condition puts both player out of their reach this year.
Merino has been identified as an alternative, while Flick also believes that the 28-year-old will fit in well into his tactics. The Spanish midfielder appeared 45 times across competitions for Sociedad in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring eight goals and setting up five more.
Merino reportedly has a €60m release clause in his contract. However, recent reports have suggested that he could be available for €25m due to his contract situation. That will fall nicely into the Catalan's' plans.
Ronald Araujo wants to stay
Barcelona are increasingly confident of keeping hold of Ronald Araujo beyond this summer, according to SPORT. The Uruguayan defender was subject to an intense pursuit from Bayern Munich in January, but a move failed to materialise.
However, the Bavarians are expected to return for the 25-year-old this summer, along with Manchester United, who are long-term admirers of the player. The Catalans poor financial situation means that they will have to consider offers for their players this year.
However, the report adds that the La Liga giants want him to stay and are already working on a new deal. Araujo had never expressed a desire to leave Camp Nou, and is eager to work under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona had previously submitted a renewal offer to the Uruguayan which wasn't up to the player's expectations. Araujo was promised a salary hike in his next contract and he wants the Catalans to live up to their words.
The 25-year-old is under contract with the La Liga giants until 2026 and is willing to bide his time in negotiations for a new deal. Araujo appeared 37 times across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign and remains one of Barcelona's most important players.
Bayern Munich leading race for Xavi Simons
Bayern Munich are the favorites to sign Xavi Simons this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Dutchman spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Simons was a huge hit at the Red Bull Arena, registering ten goals and 15 assists from 43 games across competitions. His efforts have pleased Barcelona, who are looking to bring the former La Masia graduate back home.
However, the 21-year-old is under contract with the Parisians until 2027 and prising him away won't be a walk in the park. The Catalans don't have the finances to script a move this summer.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are threatening to ruin their plans. The Bavarians are apparently willing to offer as much as €100m for Simons, according to alternate reports.
Plettenberg adds that the Bundesliga giants mean business this year and are already in talks to get their man. Bayern are working on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for €60-70m.