Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans retain Nico Williams interest, club suffer Joshua Kimmich blow, and more - August 4, 2024
Barcelona are working to improve their squad before the start of the new campaign. Former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has taken charge at Camp Nou this summer as Xavi's replacement.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have retained their interest in Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the La Liga outfit have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 4, 2024.
Barcelona retain interest in Nico Williams
Barcelona remain interested in Nico Williams, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward emerged as the No. 1 target for the club earlier this summer on the back of an outstanding campaign.
Williams was on fire for Athletic Bilbao last season, helping them lift the Copa del Rey trophy. He carried that form to Euro 2024 and powered La Roja to the title. The player's efforts have convinced the Camp Nou hierarchy to secure his services.
However, The Athletic recently revealed that the 22-year-old has decided to stay with the Basque club for at least another season. It was perceived as a huge blow for the Catalans, but Barca have refused to throw in the towel.
The La Liga giants believe they now have a stronghold in the race because Williams has already rejected a move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer. Barcelona believe the 22-year-old now has two options - either stay at San Mames or move to Camp Nou.
A decision is expected by August 12, when the player is expected to join Bilbao's pre-season camp.
Barca suffer Joshua Kimmich blow
Joshua Kimmich has hinted that he could stay at the Allianz Arena beyond this summer. The German midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and hasn't signed an extension yet.
Bayern Munich remain keen to keep him at the club and are working to tie him down to a new deal. Recent reports have suggested that Hansi Flick hopes to take the 29-year-old to Camp Nou this summer.
The German manager enjoyed great success with Kimmich with the Bavarians and is planning to rekindle the partnership this year. Barcelona are yet to properly replace the legendary Sergio Busquets, and the German midfielder could be perfect for the job. It was previously believed that the 29-year-old is open to a reunion with his former manager at Camp Nou.
However, speaking to Maximilian Koch, Kimmich insisted that the door isn't closed for a stay at the Allianz Arena.
“You can always talk to each other reasonably, all doors are open to everyone. Generally speaking, I feel really comfortable here. All my kids were born here, we built a house. Of course, last season wasn’t so successful, that’s not what Bayern and I want. Now I’m hungry, full of energy,” said Kimmich.
Kimmich has appeared close to 400 times for the Bundesliga giants.
Dani Olmo eager to move to Camp Nou says journalist
Dani Olmo has decided to return to his alma mater this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spanish midfielder has emerged as a priority target for Hansi Flick this summer.
Olmo was impressive for RB Leipzig last season despite missing much of the campaign with injuries. The 26-year-old managed eight goals and five assists from 25 games across competitions for the German side. The Spaniard was also instrumental in La Roja's Euro 2024 triumph.
The Catalan giants are pleased with his efforts and have already seen their initial offer for the player rejected by the Bundesliga club. They have now returned with an improved proposal for Leipzig's consideration.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that the two clubs remain in talks to facilitate a deal this summer.
“Barcelona already have an agreement in principle with Dani Olmo, and the player only wants to go to Barcelona, and he is putting pressure on RB Leipzig to make the deal happen. Barcelona have almost offered the €60m asking price, the last offer we have information on was €55m, plus €4m in easy variables, and €3m that were harder to achieve," wrote Moretto.
“I believe they are still discussing the bonuses and the payment schedule, and it may be that Barcelona need to up their offer a little. The clubs are negotiating though, and clearly, Leipzig will try to make as much money as they can on a player that is key for them," he continued.
Moretto added that Barca remain confident of securing a deal, thanks to Olmo's desire for a Camp Nou return.
“The talks are heading in the right direction though, and I think will come down to how much Barcelona pay in bonuses and how much in a fixed fee, perhaps altering that. The player is pushing for the move, Barcelona are very confident in doing the deal and think it could happen, and then there’s Leipzig — they know Olmo wants to go, so they will negotiate, but right now, there is optimism,” wrote Moretto.
Olmo is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2027.