Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Luis Diaz blow, club identify Ter Stegen replacement, and more - September 23, 2024
Barcelona secured a 5-1 win over Villarreal at El Madrigal on Sunday, September 22, in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scored braces, while Pablo Torre also got on the scoresheet to keep Hansi Flick's 100% record in the league intact.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have suffered a setback in their plans to take Luis Diaz to Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have shortlisted two candidates to replace the injured Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 23, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Luis Diaz blow
Liverpool are going ahead with their plans to extend Luis Diaz's stay at Anfield, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. The Colombian forward was a target for Barcelona this summer, but a move failed to materialize.
The player's father has previously revealed that the 27-year-old dreams of moving to Camp Nou. The Catalans failed to reinforce their frontline this year amid their financial difficulties.
The Spanish giants are working to address the issue which will enable them to invest in their squad in 2025. Luis Diaz is expected to be on their agenda once again next year.
However, Liverpool are already planning to ruin Barcelona's plans. The Colombian has enjoyed a stellar start to the new campaign under Arne Slot, registering five goals and one assist from six games across competitions.
His efforts have convinced the Anfield hierarchy, who are apparently ready to hand him an improved contract. Diaz is under contract with the Merseyside club until 2027, but they are hoping to extend his stay before the end of this year. Barcelona, as such, may have to move on to alternate targets in 2025.
Catalans identify Marc-Andre Ter Stegen replacement
Barcelona have identified Unai Simon and Mio Backhaus as possible replacements for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, according to journalist Jota Jordi. The German goalkeeper picked up a nasty knee injury during the win over Villarreal on Sunday and preliminary tests suggest that his season could be over.
Ter Stegen has divided opinion among fans but remains a vital piece of the puzzle for the Catalans. The La Liga giants are yet to be convinced by Inaki Pena, and are seriously considering signing a new goalkeeper in January.
Barcelona have already short-listed Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simons as a candidate for the job. The Spaniard won the Euro 2024 with his national team this summer but is yet to kick a ball this season following surgery.
He is expected to return to action in December, but prising him away from the San Mames won't be easy. The 27-year-old is under contract until 2029 and is likely to cost a massive fee in the winter.
The Catalans have identified Mio Backhaus as another option. The 20-year-old is yet to appear for Werner Bremen this season after coming off a fruitful loan spell with FC Volendam. Backhaus could be groomed to eventually replace Ter Stegen at Camp Nou, but he might not be ready to fill his countryman's shoes just yet.
Barcelona identify three replacements for Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona have a three-man shortlist to replace Robert Lewandowski, according to SPORT. The 36-year-old striker has been in fine form this season, but is in the twilight of his career.
The Catalans are already preparing for life without the Pole and have identified Erling Haaland, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko as his possible successors.
Haaland is an established name in world football and also a long-term target for the La Liga giants. He recently scored his 100th goal for Manchester City, in 105 games, equaling a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres has enjoyed a spectacular rise with Sporting and could also be a fine replacement for Lewandowski. The Swedish forward registered 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 games across competitions last season and has been in fiery form this campaign as well.
Finally, Sesko has also earned rave reviews with his efforts for RB Leipzig in recent times. Despite signing a new deal with the Bundesliga side this summer, he could be on the move next year. He has all the qualities to be a hit at Camp Nou.
However, the La Liga giants will have to sort out their financial issues before they can afford any of the aforementioned strikers.