Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Joshua Kimmich turns down Catalans, Robert Lewandowski set to stay, and more - May 28, 2024
Barcelona are preparing for a fresh start this summer after deciding to part ways with Xavi Hernandez. The Spanish manager ended the season without silverware, as his team finished second in the La Liga table behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich has turned down a move to Camp Nou this summer. Elsewhere, Robert Lewandowski is all set to stay with the Catalans.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from May 28, 2024.
Joshua Kimmich turns down Barcelona
Joshua Kimmich has rejected a move to Barcelona this summer, according to SPORT. The German midfielder's contract with Bayern Munich is all set to expire at the end of next season and he hasn't agreed to an extension yet. The Catalans are long-term admirers of the 29-year-old, and are hoping to prise him away this summer. The club are still looking for a proper replacement for Sergio Busquets, with Oriol Romeu failing to live up to the task.
Kimmich could be a perfect fit for the job, but securing his services is proving to be a challenge. The German midfielder has already rejected the La Liga giants' advances, as their proposal doesn't match the player's expectations. Kimmich earns €19.5m per year before tax and Barcelona are in no position to match those wages. Their salary structure is also in disarray, with Robert Lewandowski already earning €30m per year and due for a wage hike this summer. However, the Catalans remain determined to sort out their financial situation and won't give up on the German midfielder just yet.
Robert Lewandowski set to stay
Robert Lewandowski is set to stay at Barcelona beyond this summer, according to journalist Victor Navarro. The Polish striker's future at Camp Nou is subject to speculation ahead of the summer. Lewandowski hasn't been in his element this season, although he has enjoyed a strong end. The 35-year-old finished the campaign with 26 goals and nine assists from 49 games across competitions.
The player's salary is set to rise to €32m next season as per a clause in his contract. Xavi had apparently advised the club to offload Lewandowski this summer, but with the Spaniard gone, those plans could be scrapped. The Pole is also keen to stay and reunite with his former manager Hansi Flick, who is reportedly close to taking charge at Camp Nou. The two of them enjoyed great success during their time together at Bayern Munich.
Xavi says he was targeted at Camp Nou
Xavi has revealed that he had been under constant pressure during his time as Barcelona manager. The Spaniard oversaw his final game for the Catalans against Sevilla on Sunday, May 26, bowing out with a 2-1 win. The La Liga giants have decided to part ways with Xavi in the wake of his comments regarding the club's finances.
Speaking after the game, Xavi stated that he has accepted Barcelona's decision to let him go.
"I have the feeling that everything I have done has caused an earthquake. They have targeted me, in general. I have not been able to work calmly. We wanted to work. This is the life of a coach. It's a shame. It is not my responsibility to say the reasons [on his sacking]. I have no choice but to accept it and nothing more," said Xavi.
He continued:
"The decision has already been made and we must look forward. The club is above anyone. It is a very good generation, [Pau] Cubarsi, Lamine [Yamal], Hector Fort, but the legacy is the affection of the players. The objective was to help them. We have suffered. We have won two titles, but there are decisions that one does not control and that only you can accept. Barca is in a difficult situation."
The Catalans have agreed to hand over the reins of the first team to former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.