Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Bayern Munich ace, Manchester United eyeing Frenkie de Jong, and more - October 17, 2024
Barcelona are leading the LaLiga table after nine games with 24 points, three points ahead of Real Madrid in second place. Hansi Flick's team are now preparing to face Sevilla at home on Sunday, October 20.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are interested in a Bayern Munich midfielder. Elsewhere, Manchester United have reignited their interest in Frenkie de Jong.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 17, 2024.
Barcelona want Joshua Kimmich
Barcelona want to move for Joshua Kimmich in 2025, according to Fichajes. The German midfielder is already in the final 12 months of his contract with Bayern Munich and is yet to sign an extension.
Clubs are already lining up to secure his services for free next summer, and Barca have now entered the race. The LaLiga giants are still on the lookout for Sergio Busquets' successor, with Oriol Romeu failing to live up to the job.
The former Girona man moved back to the Estadi Montilivi this summer on loan. Barcelona have now set sights on Kimmich to fill up the void in midfield. The 29-year-old is tailormade for the job and could be a fine successor for Busquets.
However, the Catalans will face competition from Liverpool for the German midfielder. Arne Slot wants to improve his midfield next summer and has Joshua Kimmich on his radar.
The Merseyside giants have the financial muscle to match the player's exorbitant wage demands, which could be a worry for Barcelona.
Manchester United eyeing Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Frenkie de Jong, according to Fichajes. The Dutch midfielder will enter the final year of his contract next summer and Barcelona are already planning renewal talks.
However, should negotiations not yield a fruitful result, the Red Devils will dive for the player in 2025. The Premier League giants are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and have previously tried to prise him away from Camp Nou.
Erik ten Hag is a fan of his compatriot, having managed him at Ajax, and is keen to see him at Old Trafford. De Jong has previously turned Manchester United down but that hasn't deterred them. Meanwhile, it has also been suggested that Hansi Flick rates him highly and could push Barcelona to keep hold of the player.
Barca identify Erling Haaland's alternative
Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak and Darwin Nunez as possible alternatives to Erling Haaland, according to AS. The Catalan giants are looking for Robert Lewandowski's successor and have identified the Norwegian as the ideal candidate for the job.
However, they are aware that prising the Norwegian away from Manchester City won't be easy. Haaland is under contract with the Premier League giants until 2027 and reportedly has a massive release clause in his deal.
There's also likely to be tremendous competition for the player's signature, which is why the LaLiga giants are keeping their options open. Isak impressed for Newcastle United last season, registering 25 goals from 40 games across competitions. Meanwhile, Nunez was also decisive for Liverpool last season, scoring 18 goals and setting up 13 more from 54 games in all competitions.
However, both players are under contract with their respective clubs until 2028, and prising them away won't be easy.