Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Juventus eyeing Nico Williams, Catalans plan Lamine Yamal renewal, and more - October 1, 2024
Barcelona will welcome Young Boys to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 1. Hansi Flick's team head into the game on the back of their first league defeat of the season at the hands of Osasuna over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Juventus have set their sights on Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the Catalan giants are eager to end any speculation regarding Lamine Yamal's future by extending his stay at Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 1, 2024.
Juventus eyeing Nico Williams
Juventus have entered the race to sign Nico Williams, according to Fichajes. The Serie A giants have enjoyed an impressive start under Thiago Motta, who is working to get them back to their glory days.
Motta is looking for a new talisman in attack, someone who can have an impact akin to Cristiano Ronaldo, and has found his man in Williams. The 22-year-old enjoyed a stunning 2023-24 campaign with Athletic Bilbao and was decisive in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
Williams was heavily linked with Barcelona this summer as Barca were eager to reignite his La Roja partnership with Lamine Yamal. However, the Catalans failed to convince him to leave San Mames over the summer.
It is believed that the La Liga giants' poor finances hurt their aspiration to see the Spaniard at Camp Nou. Nonetheless, Barcelona remain interested in Williams and are expected to return for him in 2025.
However, Juventus' interest could spell trouble for Barca.
Barcelona plan Lamine Yamal renewal
Barcelona are planning to tie Lamine Yamal down to a new deal, according to Fichajes. The Spanish youngster has captured the imagination of the football world since exploding into the scenes at Camp Nou last season.
Yamal registered seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions, establishing himself in Xavi's starting XI. Still only 17, he has endeared himself to new manager Hansi Flick.
This season, the Spaniard has registered five goals and five assists from nine games across competitions. His ability on the ball, and maturity, have prompted interest from clubs across the continent.
Yamal is under contract with the Catalans until 2026, but they are eager to tie him down to a long-term deal. That is apparently club president Joan Laporta's priority at the moment.
The new contract could make the Spaniard the best-paid player at Camp Nou. Given that he has already ignited comparisons with Lionel Messi, the fabled No. 10 shirt could also be part of the deal.
Barca extend Marc Bernal's stay
Marc Bernal has signed a new deal with Barcelona, the club announced. The Spanish midfielder rose through the ranks at La Masia and exploded into the scenes under Hansi Flick this season.
Bernal was a regular feature for the Catalans at the beginning of the season until an unfortunate ACL injury ruled him out for the campaign. By then, though, he had already been earmarked as the rightful heir to the legendary Sergio Busquets.
The 17-year-old signed a new contract with the La Liga giants this summer, keeping him at the club until 2026. However, it is a testament to his importance to Barcelona that they decided to tie him to an improved deal. Bernal is now under contract at Camp Nou until 2029.