Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Nico Williams in 2025, German ace opens up on future, and more - September 7, 2024
Barcelona have been outstanding this season under Hansi Flick, who replaced Xavi at Camp Nou this summer. The Catalans have won all of their opening four games in La Liga and are sitting at the top of the league table.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants remain keen to secure Nico Williams' signature in 2025. Elsewhere, a German goalkeeper has opened up about his future.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 7, 2024.
Barcelona want Nico Williams in 2025
Barcelona are determined to get their hands on Nico Williams in 2025, according to SPORT. The La Liga giants had made the Spanish forward a priority target this summer.
Despite their poor finances, the Catalans were willing to break the bank for the 22-year-old. However, Williams decided to stay with Athletic Bilbao, pouring cold water on Barcelona's plans.
Williams has enjoyed a spectacular rise in the European football circuit in the past year. The Spaniard is now one of the finest attackers on the continent and the Catalans remain keen to pair him with Lamine Yamal up top.
As such, they are already preparing to move for the player next summer. Williams is likely to cost around €60m in 2025 but the Spanish giants are hoping to solve their financial woes by then to script a deal.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen opens up on future
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has hinted that he could consider a return to Germany in the future. The 32-year-old has been an integral part of Barcelona's success in recent times and remains one of the first names in the team sheet under Hansi Flick.
Ter Stegen has appeared 417 times for the Catalans to date and wears the armband for the club. There have been rumors regarding his future in recent years but the German has opted to stay at Camp Nou.
Speaking to the press, as cited by BILD, Ter Stegen insisted that he is happy with the La Liga giants.
“I have a relatively long contract in Barcelona. I’m very happy there. My family is happy in Catalonia. I’m just looking forward to the season, that’s where my focus is," Ter Stegen said.
He continued:
“You never know what will happen in the future. I don’t know if playing in Germany will be a goal for me again in the future. We’ll see. But generally speaking, I’m very happy with my situation and with where I am at the moment.”
The German custodian is under contract at Camp Nou until 2028.
Catalans didn't pay Ilkay Gundogan to leave
Barcelona didn't offer Ilkay Gundogan any compensation to leave the club this summer, according to SPORT. The German midfielder arrived at the Camp Nou last summer on a Bosman move and was an integral part of Xavi's setup.
However, Gundogan opted to return to Manchester City as a free agent this year. The player said his departure would help the Catalans address their finances, though the club have since refuted those claims.
It was believed that the Spanish giants had paid the 33-year-old three months' salary as part of his exit agreement. However, it is now reported that Gundogan only received his due from the club and nothing extra.