Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Amadou Onana blow, Serie A side eyeing Brazilian ace, and more - July 14, 2024
Barcelona appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager after parting ways with Xavi at the end of last season. The German manager has been tasked with turning the club's fortunes around after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have suffered a setback in their efforts to secure the services of Amadou Onana. Elsewhere, a Brazilian forward is wanted at a Serie A club.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 14, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Amadou Onana blow
Barcelona have suffered a setback in their efforts to take Amadou Onana to Camp Nou this summer. According to The BBC, Aston Villa are close to securing the service of the Belgian midfielder this summer.
The La Liga giants are in the market for a new defensive midfielder, with Oriol Romeu expected to be on his way this summer. The Spaniard has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Girona last year.
The Catalans are still looking for Segio Busquets' successor and have Onana on their wish list. The Belgian has been outstanding for Everton since joining the club in 2022. Last season, the 22-year-old appeared 37 times across competitions for the Merseyside club, registering three goals and one assist.
Onana has all the attributes to be a hit at Camp Nou, although Barcelona's poor finances are likely to complicate a deal. However, it now appears that the Belgian could already be on his way to Villa Park in a £50m deal.
Lazio eyeing Vitor Roque
Lazio have set their sights on Vitor Roque, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian forward has been a disappointment since joining Barcelona in January this year.
Vitor Roque was signed as a possible replacement for the aging Robert Lewandowski, but has failed to impress so far. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans could consider cashing in on him to address their financial woes.
Despite his struggles at Camp Nou, the 19-year-old's stock remains high. Lazio are ready to take him to Serie A and are contemplating a loan deal with a €25m option to buy.
The Brazilian has reportedly been identified as a possible replacement for Ciro Immobile, who has moved to Besiktas. However, the Italian club's offer is unlikely to impress the Catalans. The player, meanwhile, remains keen to stay and impress Hansi Flick in pre-season.
Catalans receive Nico Williams boost
Barcelona are close to attaining the financial stability required to sign Nico Williams, according to La Liga chief Javier Tebas. The La Liga giant's monetary issues have been well documented and their situation has raised doubts over their pursuit of the Spanish forward.
Williams has become a wanted man following his recent exploits with Athletic Bilbao. The 22-year-old scored eight times and set up 19 more from 37 games across competitions last season, helping the club win the Copa del Rey. He has been equally decisive for Spain at Euro 2024.
There's already a rush for Williams' services this summer, although recent reports have suggested that the Catalans already have a personal agreement in place with the player. However, the Spaniard's €58m release clause is threatening to ruin their plans.
Speaking to SPORT, Tebas admitted that Barcelona could sign the player if they manage to return to the 1:1 rule.
"If they reach the 1:1 norm, they will be able to do so. You have to think that with Barcelona's effort to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m and other measures that have already taken place within the club and that have nothing to do with the levers, they can perfectly bring in a player like Nico Williams," said Tebas.
He added:
"I think he has a release clause of €58m. When you buy for €58m, the amortisation is divided by the years of the contract; If you sign him for three years it would be less than €20m per year, plus what you pay the player. Barça will be able to reach those amounts, it's perfectly acceptable if they are within the 1:1 norm."
He concluded:
"It is a club that is close to €1,000m in turnover, it can be in that line. It must be remembered that the 1:1 scenario has to be fulfilled. Today Barca doesn't have it, but they are as close as they have ever been to having it. If they achieve it, they can sign Nico Williams or another player with those finances."
Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea also have their eyes on Williams.