Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Julian Alvarez blow, Hansi Flick wants Spanish ace, and more - July 17, 2024
Barcelona are determined to overcome the disappointments of last season, where they finished without any silverware. New manager Hansi Flick is eyeing reinforcements over the summer, as he aims to get his team firing on all cylinders.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez. Elsewhere, Flick is prioritizing a move for a Spanish midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 17, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Julian Alvarez blow
Manchester City have no desire to allow Julian Alvarez to leave this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Argentinean striker is a rising star and suitors are lining up to secure his services this year.
Barcelona are in the market for a new striker and have Alvarez on their radar. Robert Lewandowski is in the final phase of his career and the club are eager to lay down succession plans.
Vitor Roque had been roped in for the job, but he has failed to live up to the expectations so far. The Brazilian is already linked with an exit from Camp Nou, prompting the Catalans to turn to Alvarez.
The Argentinean is a serial winner with club and country and is coming off a successful run at Copa America 2024. However, he is behind the indomitable Erling Haaland at the Etihad and is apparently frustrated by the situation.
The La Liga giants are hoping to take advantage and prise him away with the lure of first-team action. However, City consider the 24-year-old an integral part of their setup and have already informed the player's entourage that he won't be allowed to leave.
Alvarez is under contract until 2028, so there's no pressure to let him go either. He registered 19 goals and 13 assists from 54 games last season, and is also wanted by Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Hansi Flick wants Dani Olmo
Hansi Flick has set his sights on Dani Olmo, according to SPORT. Barcelona are working to upgrade their squad this summer and are monitoring multiple candidates at the moment.
The club president is pushing to secure Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, who has been a rage for club and country of late. However, it now appears that Flick would prefer a move for Olmo over his countryman.
Barca's sporting director Deco is behind the German manager and also prefers a move for the 26-year-old. Deco has already held talks with Olmo's representatives to discuss a possible transfer.
The Spaniard endured an injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign with RB Leipzig, but still registered eight goals and five assists from 25 games across all competitions. He was also instrumental in La Roja's Euro 2024 triumph.
The player reportedly has a €60m release clause, which expires on the 20th of this month. As such, Barcelona will have to move quickly if they want to get their man this year.
Bayern Munich are already hot on the heels of Olmo, who is also wanted at Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Flick is enticed by the 26-year-old's versatility, which is why he prefers him over Williams. Olmo would like to return to his former hunting ground as well, but he is keeping his options open.
Galatasaray eyeing Ilkay Gundogan
Galatasaray have retained their interest in Ilkay Gundogan, according to Aksam. The Turkish side have been monitoring the German midfielder all summer, but it was previously believed that Barcelona don't want to let him leave.
However, it now appears that the Catalans have taken a U-turn and are willing to consider the veteran's exit. The La Liga giants are under financial distress and Gundogan is among the highest earners in the squad.
As such, they are apparently willing to cut ties with the 33-year-old to address the issue. Hansi Flick will have a meeting with Gundogan to inform the player that he is no longer a guaranteed starter at the club.
The final decision on the matter will rest on the 33-year-old. Gundogan is of Turkish origin and even has relatives in the country. He is apparently a Galatasaray fan as well, so a move cannot be ruled out just yet.