Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Nico Williams blow, Napoli eyeing Brazilian ace, and more - June 23, 2024
Barcelona are hoping to get back to their best under Hansi Flick, who took charge last month. The German manager was roped in as Xavi's replacement after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Nico Williams this summer. Elsewhere, Napoli have set their sights on a Brazilian forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 23, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Nico Williams blow
Nico Williams has ruled out an exit from Athletic Bilbao this summer. The Spanish forward has earned admirers at Barcelona following an impressive 2023-24 campaign.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and set up 19 more in 37 games across competitions, helping the Basque club win the Copa del Rey. He has carried that form to Euro 2024 and has been named a priority target for Hansi Flick by various reports.
However, speaking recently as cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Williams rubbished talks of an exit from San Mames.
“I’ve just signed a new deal at Athletic a few weeks ago, I feel very good there. I’m very happy at Athletic. It’s very strange to receive questions on my future,” said Williams.
Williams signed a new contract with the club in December 2023 which runs until 2027.
Napoli eyeing Vitor Roque
Napoli have entered the race to sign Vitor Roque this summer, according to SPORT. The Brazilian's future at Camp Nou is subject to speculation following an underwhelming start to life at the club.
Roque struggled for chances under Xavi in the 2023-24 campaign after arriving in January this year. Initially earmarked as Robert Lewandowski's successor, the 19-year-old registered just two goals from 16 games, most of which were from the bench.
The situation has prompted the player to consider his options, although Hansi Flick wants to assess him in pre-season. Porto have already held talks with the Catalan club regarding a move for the Brazilian, while Atletico Madrid are plotting a swap deal for the player involving Joao Felix.
Napoli have now entered the fray. The Italian giants are planning for life without Victor Osimhen, who remains heavily linked with an exit this summer. New manager Antonio Conte wants a fresh face to take the Nigerian's place and has settled for Roque.
Napoli have had their eyes on the teenager before he joined Barcelona and they are now planning to hold talks with the Catalans regarding a move. The Serie A club are ready to consider a loan deal or a permanent move as per the La Liga giants' preference.
Alejandro Grimaldo opens up on failed Camp Nou move
Alejandro Grimaldo has admitted that he was open to a return to Camp Nou last summer. The former La Masia graduate was available as a free agent last year, following the end of his contract with Benfica.
The Catalan giants needed a replacement for Jordi Alda before the start of the season but decided against a move for their former player. They opted to keep their faith in Alejandro Balde, with the decision coming back to haunt the club.
Grimaldo went on to join Bayer Leverkusen and enjoyed an explosive 2023-24 campaign at the BayArena. The 28-year-old registered 12 goals and 20 assists from 51 games across competitions, helping Xabi Alonso's side win the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Speaking recently, as cited by Barca Universal, Grimaldo admitted that he understood why his former club didn't target him last summer.
“Well, last season my contract expired and Barcelona was always a great opportunity for me and something very attractive but perhaps Barcelona did not want to depend on me, also they had two great full-backs,” said Grimaldo.
Grimaldo went on to back the Spanish giants to get back to their best under Hansi Flick.
“Now a new coach arrives and he will bring new things. Barcelona has gone through difficult times, especially financially in recent years, but I think they are much better now,” said Grimaldo.
“Laporta is doing a great job and I think Barcelona will return to what it was, one of the best clubs in the world and certainly in the coming years they will fight for the Champions League,” he added.
Grimaldo is under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2027.