Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Amadou Onana blow, Hansi Flick wants Joao Cancelo stay, and more - July 15, 2024
Barcelona are working to improve the squad before the start of the new campaign. The Catalans finished 10 points behind champions Real Madrid last season and are planning to use the summer to the fullest.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Amadou Onana this summer. Elsewhere, head coach Hansi Flick is eager to bring Joao Cancelo back to Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 15, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Amadou Onana blow
Barcelona are unlikely to secure a move for Amadou Onana this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Catalans are in the market for a new midfielder, with a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets in their plans.
The legendary Spaniard left the club last summer to move to MLS side Inter Miami. His replacement, Oriol Romeu, hasn't lived up to the billing and could move out of Camp Nou this summer.
Onana has been identified as a target following his impressive campaign with Everton. However, it now appears that the Belgian midfielder is set to join Aston Villa.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano stated that the Spanish giants are putting all their efforts into securing Nico Williams.
“Soon it’s going to be time to decide the future of Nico Williams, whose time at the Euros will be coming to an end tonight as he prepares for the final clash between Spain and England. Barcelona had an interest in Everton’s Amadou Onana, but he’s now close to joining Aston Villa instead as Barca wanted to save their budget for Nico Williams,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Barcelona really like Onana and spent months discussing this possibility, but they didn’t make a bid and they won’t make a bid at the last minute of the negotiations. Barca want to focus on Nico Williams.”
Romano concluded:
“Credit as well to Aston Villa because they did an excellent job on Onana. They had the most concrete interest and they worked well behind the scenes to present the proposal at the right moment. There was interest from Barcelona, but also from PSG, though their focus is on dream target Joao Neves.”
Williams signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid last December but could be on the move this summer.
Hansi Flick wants Joao Cancelo stay
Hansi Flick is eager to bring Joao Cancelo back to Camp Nou this summer, according to journalist Gabriel Sans. The Portuguese right-back was a hit on loan with Barcelona last season, registering four goals and five assists from 42 games.
The player is no longer part of Pep Guardiola's plans at Manchester City and will be allowed to leave this year. Barcelona are pleased with his efforts and want him in the squad next season.
Flick is especially impressed with the 30-year-old and sees him as the starting option for the position. The Catalans are hoping to secure his services on a loan deal, but the Premier League champions are pushing for a permanent transfer.
City were previously demanding €25m for Cancelo, which, together with the player's wages, made a deal financially unrealistic for the La Liga giants. However, Cancelo has his heart set on a return to Camp Nou, despite interest from Juventus and Inter Milan.
He has already informed his agent Jorge Mendes of his desire and the super agent is working to script a deal. City are no longer rigid about a permanent exit, so a deal could materialize this summer.
However, Flick has also identified Hector Fort and Julian Araujo as alternatives to Cancelo, should the transfer fail to cross the line.
Arsenal eyeing Joao Felix
Arsenal are eyeing a move for Joao Felix this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Portuguese forward is staring at an uncertain future this summer. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Camp Nou from Atletico Madrid, registering ten goals and six assists from 44 games.
Felix is no longer part of plans for Los Rojiblancos and could be offloaded this summer. Atletico Madrid are looking for a permanent exit, but Barcelona can only afford a temporary deal.
The Portuguese wants his future sorted before the 27th of this month when Los Rojiblancos start their pre-season. The Gunners are keeping a close eye on the situation as they look to add more competition to their squad.
Mikel Arteta apparently believes that Felix could be a fine fit in his tactics at the Emirates. The north London side also have the financial muscle to script a permanent deal, which could be a cause of concern for the Blaugrana.
However, recent reports have suggested that Felix would prefer to return to Camp Nou this summer. Barcelona have a good rapport with the player's agent Jorge Mendes and are pushing to complete a loan deal.