Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans retain interest in Bayern Munich ace, club submit Dani Olmo offer, and more - July 25, 2024
Barcelona are looking to upgrade their squad after finishing 10 points behind champions Real Madrid in the La Liga race last season. The Catalans have already roped in Hansi Flick to get them flying on all cylinders in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have retained their interest in a Bayern Munich midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have submitted their opening offer for Dani Olmo.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 25, 2024.
Barcelona retain interest in Joshua Kimmich
Barcelona are hoping to secure the signature of Joshua Kimmich in 2025, according to SPORT. The Catalans are long-term admirers of the German midfielder, who could be the ideal successor to Sergio Busquets at Camp Nou.
Kimmich has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't signed a new deal yet. There's massive interest in his services, with Manchester City also linked with a move for the 29-year-old.
The German is reportedly willing to join the Catalans, as he prefers to team up with former manager Hansi Flick. The La Liga giants are also keen to sign him, provided he stays at the Allianz Arena next season and is available for free in 2025.
Barcelona would like to add Kimmich to their kitty this year, especially since Oriol Romeu has failed to convince. However, the Bundesliga giants reportedly want €50m for his signature, which is posing a problem.
The Catalans do not have the funds to get a deal across the line, as they direct all their resources to signing Nico Williams. As such, the Spanish giants are hoping that the German stays with the Bavarians for now, rejects a new deal, and is available on a Bosman move next year.
Catalans submit Dani Olmo offer
Barcelona have submitted an official bid for Dani Olmo, according to SPORT. The Spanish midfielder has endeared himself to clubs across Europe following an impressive run with club and country of late.
Olmo registered eight goals and five assists from 25 games across competitions last season for RB Leipzig, despite missing much of the campaign with injuries. He also rose to the occasion with La Roja at Euro 2024, planning a starring role in their triumphant run in Germany.
The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and reportedly want to take their former player back to Camp Nou. Hansi Flick is apparently pushing for a deal, amid rising interest in the player's services.
The La Liga giants recently submitted their opening offer for the 26-year-old, but it was below Leipzig's valuation of the player. As such, the proposal was swiftly rejected by the Bundesliga club.
Olmo remains open to a return to his former hunting ground but isn't short of options this summer. Leipzig are likely to demand a handsome fee for their prized asset, who is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2027.
Barcelona's financial situation could affect a deal, with rising interest from the Premier League for the Spaniard. However, the Catalans are likely to return with an improved offer to convince their German counterparts.
Barcelona edging closer to Nico Williams
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Nico Williams' agent regarding a move this summer, according to journalist Jose Alvarez. The Spanish forward has become hot property in the European football circuit after helping La Roja win Euro 2024.
Williams was equally decisive for Athletic Bilbao last season, registering eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games and winning the Copa del Rey. His efforts have forced the Catalans into action this summer.
Hansi Flick is looking for attacking reinforcements after being handed the responsibility of getting the club back to the top. The 22-year-old has been identified as a key ingredient to inspire a resurgence at Camp Nou.
Williams is spoilt for choice this year, with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly in the race as well. However, Barcelona are working hard to secure his services. They have now reached an agreement with the player's entourage for a five-year deal, which includes an increasing salary.
All that is left now is for the 22-year-old to give his green signal to the proposal. Once that is done, the Catalans will trigger the player's €58m release clause and take him to Camp Nou.