Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans set Frenkie de Jong price, Spanish ace confirms he will stay, and more - August 11, 2024
Barcelona are working to add more quality to their squad before the start of the 2023-24 campaign. The Catalans fared poorly under Xavi last season and appointed Hansi Flick as the Spaniard's replacement at the end of May.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants have set their asking price for Frenkie de Jong. Elsewhere, a Spanish defender has confirmed that he will stay at Camp Nou beyond this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 11, 2024.
Barcelona set Frenkie de Jong price
Barcelona want more than €60m to part ways with Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to Fichajes. The Dutch midfielder struggled with injuries last season, registering 30 appearances across competitions.
De Jong has been a first-team regular at Camp Nou in recent seasons, but Barca have been open to his departure for a while. The 27-year-old is one of the highest earners at the club, who are already in financial difficulties.
As such, the La Liga giants are willing to consider his departure this summer amid interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Dutchman and were very close to securing his services two years ago.
De Jong turned down a move to Old Trafford that summer, but the Premier League giants have retained their interest in their player. Erik ten Hag wants to upgrade his midfield and the 27-year-old could be the ideal candidate.
Barcelona will also benefit from the player's departure as it will free up their wage bill and bring in funds. However, De Jong has previously refused to leave Camp Nou and the final decision regarding the move will depend on the player.
Eric Garcia confirms he will stay
Eric Garcia has confirmed he will be part of Barcelona's squad next season. The Spanish defender spent the 23-24 campaign on loan at Girona and was quite impressive.
The 23-year-old was a first-team regular for his nation at the Paris Olympics, helping them win the gold medal last week. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and suitors are likely to line up for his services this summer.
However, speaking recently, as cited by SPORT, Garcia insisted that he is all set to join Hansi Flick's squad this weekend.
“I’ve spoken with Flick. I’m 100% staying at Barça this season. On Sunday I will train with Barça. I feel like training with Flick. I have good feelings with the messages we have exchanged,” said Garcia.
Garcia could help Barca deal with Ronald Araujo's injury.
Barca considering loan move for Joao Felix
Barcelona are considering a loan move for Joao Felix this summer, according to SPORT. The Portuguese forward spent last season on loan at Camp Nou, scoring 10 goals and setting up six more from 44 games across competitions.
The Catalan giants would like to keep him permanently at the club but do not have the finances to secure a deal. Atletico Madrid are eager to offload the 24-year-old, who is no longer part of Diego Simeone's plans.
However, Los Rojiblancos will only consider a permanent exit and want at least €60m to let him go. Barcelona cannot match their asking fee and are hoping to script another loan move this summer. However, they will face competition from Aston Villa and Benfica for Felix.
Felix's former employers Benfica have submitted an offer to take the player on loan with a €30m purchase option. Villa, meanwhile, can only offer up to €32m for him. Felix, however, has his heart set on a Camp Nou return and that could work in the Catalans' favor.