Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Liverpool eyeing Jules Kounde, Lionel Messi wants Ansu Fati move, and more - October 22, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their high-profile Champions League game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, October 23. The Catalan giants will head into the game in brilliant form, having despatched Sevilla 5-1 in LaLiga on Sunday, October 20.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have set their sights on Jules Kounde. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi is eager to see Ansu Fati at Inter Miami.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 22, 2024.
Liverpool eyeing Jules Kounde
Liverpool are planning a move for Jules Kounde, according to Fichajes. The Reds are looking for a new defender amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and hasn't signed a new deal yet. Kounde has been identified as a candidate to fill his shoes.
The Frenchman has impressed with Barcelona in recent seasons, operating with equal ease at centre-back and right-back. This season, Kounde has appeared exclusively at right-back for Barca, registering one goal and one assist from 12 games across competitions.
All but one of those appearances have been starts, signifying his importance to the LaLiga giants. However, Barcelona are in financial distress and could turn to player sales once again to address the issue in 2025.
Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans already have their eyes on Sevilla's Loic Bade as a possible replacement for Kounde. Liverpool are attentive to the situation and plotting to price the French defender. However, they will face competition from Chelsea for Kounde.
Lionel Messi wants Ansu Fati move
Lionel Messi wants Ansu Fati to join him at Inter Miami, according to Fichajes. Once regarded as the rightful heir to the diminutive Argentinean at Barcelona, Fati's career hasn't gone according to plan.
Injuries and lack of form have hurt the Spaniard's development at Camp Nou. The 21-year-old is now a peripheral figure in the Barca squad and was heavily linked with an exit this summer.
While he ended up staying, Fati has struggled for chances under Hansi Flick, who is already well-stocked in attack. With Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in blistering form, there might be no way back for Fati at the moment.
It is believed that the LaLiga giants are ready to let him go this winter. Fenerbahce are eager to secure his services and now Inter Miami have entered the fray. Fati could be tempted to team up with Lionel Messi at the Chase Stadium to get his career back on track.
He has appeared just four times across competitions for Barcelona this season, only one of which has been a start.
Barcelona tipped for Pedri offers
Barcelona could receive offers for Pedri unless he signs a new deal, according to MARCA. The Spaniard has been in exceptional form for Barca this season, registering three goals and two assists from 12 games across competitions.
His efforts have been key to the LaLiga giants' rise under Hansi Flick, with Pedri controlling games from the middle of the park. However, the 21-year-old's contract at Camp Nou expires in less than two years and he is yet to sign a new deal.
Barcelona are apparently engaged in negotiations to extend his stay, although a breakthrough in talks hasn't been achieved yet. Unless Barca tie him down to a fresh contract, they could be braced for offers for Pedri in 2025.
Pedri's efforts have already turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent. His suitors could knock on the door if the Spaniard enters the final year of his contract next summer.