Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans in talks for Manchester City ace, Frenkie de Jong set to stay, and more - August 19, 2024
Barcelona started the Hansi Flick era with a 2-1 win in La Liga over Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday, August 17. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou this summer and has been tasked with getting the club back to their heydays.
Meanwhile, the Catalans remain in talks with Manchester City for a Portuguese full-back. Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong is set to stay with the Spanish giants beyond this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 19, 2024.
Barcelona in talks to sign Joao Cancelo
Barcelona remain locked in talks with Manchester City for the services of Joao Cancelo, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese right-back spent last season on loan at Camp Nou and is eager to return.
The Catalans also want the player back but City's demands have threatened to ruin their plans. It is believed that the English champions want a fair fee for the 30-year-old, which doesn't suit the La Liga giants' finances.
Barcelona, instead, are hoping to secure another temporary move for Cancelo this summer. There's interest in the player's signature from multiple clubs but he has his heart set on joining the Catalans.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that a move will now depend on the outcome of talks between the two clubs.
“Discussions also continue over the possibility of bringing Joao Cancelo back to Barca. He’s high on their list and it will depend on Manchester City and Barca talks; not on the player as he’s clearly open to joining the club and returning to Spain. Talks will follow, so let’s see what happens,” wrote Romano
Cancelo is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027.
Frenkie de Jong set to stay at Camp Nou
Frenkie de Jong is not in talks to leave Barcelona this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Dutch midfielder's future at Camp Nou has been subject to speculation all summer.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and have been linked with a move of late. Erik ten Hag is looking for a new midfielder this year and has apparently rekindled his interest in De Jong.
However, there have been no concrete talks regarding a move and things are unlikely to change before the end of the summer. Hansi Flick reportedly considers the Dutch midfielder a key part of his plans and has advised the Catalans against letting him go.
De Jong's departure could be a tempting prospect for the La Liga giants, whose poor financial situation has been well-documented. The player's exorbitant wages are also putting a dent in Barcelona's pockets.
However, the club have decided to keep hold of their prized asset for now, as they work to get back to their best on the pitch. Recent reports have also suggested that the Red Devils are no longer eyeing the 27-year-old and have moved on to alternate targets.
Everton leading race for Vitor Roque
Everton are the favorites to sign Vitor Roque this summer, according to MARCA. The Brazilian forward has failed to impress at Barcelona since arriving at the club in January this year.
The Catalans reportedly paid €40m for the 19-year-old, who was roped in to become Robert Lewandowski's eventual successor. However, Vitor Roque endured an underwhelming campaign under Xavi and has now been deemed surplus to requirements by Hansi Flick.
The Toffees are willing to bet on him this summer. The Merseyside club are looking for a new No. 9 amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton have identified Vitor Roque as an option and are ready to take him to Goodison Park. They could face competition from Real Betis for the 19-year-old, although the La Liga side do not have the finances to complete a deal.
Barcelona are likely to try and recoup as much of the fee they paid for the Brazilian as possible.